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PHILADELPHIA — Saquon Barkley made headlines last week when he explored the franchise’s record books and discovered who previously held the record for rushing yards in a playoff game for the Eagles.
That name is Steve van Buren, a legendary figure whose No. 15 jersey is retired by the team and who has secured a spot in both the Eagles’ Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, inducted in 1965.
Up until Sunday, van Buren owned the record with an impressive 196 yards gained in the 1949 NFL championship against the Rams, a feat that seems impressive even by today’s standards.
“I was curious, so I looked it up. It’s funny how these things work out,” Barkley remarked, referencing his desire to understand the achievements of those who came before him.
His motivation? “Chase greatness,” Barkley stated, and he has certainly done that in his debut season with the Eagles, breaking various rushing records including an incredible 2,105 yards during the regular season.
On Sunday, he set a new playoff record by rushing for 205 yards and scoring two touchdowns, which played a significant role in the Eagles’ victory over the Los Angeles Rams, advancing them to the NFC championship game.
His remarkable 78-yard touchdown in snowy conditions encapsulated the Eagles’ 28-22 win, which secured them a home game on Sunday against the Washington Commanders.
Regardless of circumstances, Barkley has consistently delivered this season, making the Eagles strong contenders to reach the Super Bowl for the second time in three years.
“Whether it’s tough conditions or not, it’s certainly a luxury to have him on our team. He’s exceptional,” said coach Nick Sirianni, expressing his admiration for Barkley’s contributions and leadership.
With quarterback Jalen Hurts dealing with an injury, Barkley will need to step up once more against the rising Commanders.
In terms of coaching, Sirianni has faced criticism for his unconventional approach, like his interactions with the fan base. However, his success speaks for itself, leading the Eagles to two NFC title games in three seasons and achieving a remarkable home winning percentage of .833 since 2022.
A.J. Brown stirred some conversations earlier this season when he criticized the offense for not meeting expectations, and the passing game remains a concern as the Eagles head into the playoffs.
Although Hurts managed to protect the ball, he was sacked seven times during the game and left with some discomfort after suffering a knee injury. He only passed for 128 yards, but it was his sixth win this season despite not reaching 200 yards in the air.
The question arises: can Hurts perform when necessary against high-scoring opponents like Jayden Daniels, Josh Allen, or Patrick Mahomes?
While Brown had an impressive 1,079 yards receiving in the regular season, he has only caught three passes for 24 yards in the playoffs. Similarly, DeVonta Smith has contributed with just eight catches for 76 yards against the Rams and in the previous playoff game against the Packers.
“Our performance was enough to secure a win, but we always strive for more in terms of our standards and ambitions,” Hurts noted modestly.
Hurts directed any inquiries about offensive play-calling to Sirianni and the offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, highlighting a broader perspective on team dynamics.
Barkley has emerged as the driving force for the Eagles’ offense, but the pivotal question remains whether it will be sufficient for a Super Bowl run if the passing game struggles against Washington.
On a positive note, Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter showcased an outstanding performance, making key plays including forcing a fumble, logging two sacks, and pressuring the quarterback throughout.
“His talent is undeniable. But in this league, that’s not enough. It takes more than just talent to reach your potential, and he’s certainly on an upward trajectory,” Sirianni mentioned about Carter.
However, kicker Jake Elliott continues to struggle, having made three field goals but missing extra points in both playoff games so far. Formerly known as “Jake the Make,” he has seen a decline in his performance this season.
Injury updates reveal that cornerback Quinyon Mitchell suffered a shoulder injury, but it does not appear to be severe.
BetMGM Sportsbook lists the Eagles as 5.5-point favorites against the Commanders, a reasonable expectation given the Eagles’ success at home recently, winning four straight playoff games, second only to San Francisco in terms of the longest active streak in the NFL.
Looking ahead, the Eagles must prepare for a third matchup against Washington. In their previous meetings, Hurts scored the decisive touchdown, while Barkley contributed significantly, leading to a win in one game but facing defeat in the rematch a month later.
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