Tag: NFC Championship

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NFL (American Football)

The Commanders are headed to their first conference championship in 33 years, marking a historic moment for Washington

Washington Commanders players after a pass

The Washington Commanders, yes, the Washington Commanders, are in the NFC Championship. While no one — not even Commanders fans — expected this before the season, the unthinkable has happened. For the first time since the 1991 season, Washington is one of the last four teams left in the NFL playoffs.

To put it into perspective, that season was over 30 years ago, when the internet was just becoming available to the public (with only one website to visit), Vanilla Ice was a pop culture icon, and Joe’s Crab Shack had just started serving seafood. It’s hard to imagine a time without Joe’s Crab Shack, right?

Back in ’91, the Commanders not only won the NFC Championship but also defeated the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl. Could history be about to repeat itself? Let’s look at the numbers to see if Washington might be on the path to another title.

The Case for the Commanders

First, let’s consider a stat that could boost Washington’s chances: extra rest. Teams that play on Saturday in the divisional round — like the Commanders did — have a solid record of 20-10 in the conference title round over the past 15 years. And here’s a surprising stat: at least one team playing on Saturday has made it to the Super Bowl in 17 of the past 19 years. So, Washington’s odds of making it to the big game could be better than they seem.

Why does the extra day matter? It’s simple: while the Eagles were fighting in a tough one-score game in a snowstorm against the Rams, the Commanders were at home, resting comfortably and watching the Lions lose. Advantage, Washington, right?

However, before thinking this is a done deal, there’s a catch: the Commanders are playing on the road, and home-field advantage has been significant in NFC Championship games. In the last 11 years, the home team has won 9 times.

This includes two dominant wins by the Eagles, where they outscored their opponents 69-14. On the other hand, the AFC has seen a more balanced playoff history, with home teams winning 8 of the past 11 seasons.

A Washington Commander and a Nike Logo are seen on a player’s uniform before the game

A Road to Glory?

It’s not impossible for road teams to succeed — Washington is 2-0 on the road in the postseason — but the numbers aren’t in the Commanders’ favor. Road teams this postseason are 2-8, so Washington has an uphill battle. However, they are the one team with the potential to pull off an upset.

NFC Championship Pick

The matchup: Washington (14-5) at Philadelphia (16-3), 3 p.m. ET (Fox).

I’m relieved the Eagles won in the divisional round because it keeps alive the greatest rivalry in sports: Me vs. Eagles fans. No other fanbase reacts quicker when I pick against them — 18 minutes after my divisional round picks went live, an Eagles fan was already calling me out.

Sure, I may have picked against Philly six times this season and gone 0-6 in those picks, but let’s be real: I always picked them to win in their losses. Maybe I’ve subconsciously accepted that, who knows?

But here we are, with the Commanders — my new favorite team, thanks to their victory over the Lions that made me look smart. Can I really pick against them now? Do I dare pick the Eagles again? Maybe. But Washington’s run has been amazing.

Here’s the kicker: Washington is in the NFC Championship with a rookie quarterback. Getting this far with a first-year starter is nearly impossible. It’s like running a marathon in flip-flops while carrying a baby — not an easy task.

So, am I talking myself into picking Washington over Philadelphia in this NFC Championship? Let’s see if I’m ready to pick a team that’s made me a believer, despite the odds.

Stay tuned to see if the Commanders’ incredible playoff run continues or if the Eagles will reach the Super Bowl. One thing is certain: this NFC Championship will be one for the books.

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NFL (American Football)

In the mobile age, the NFL conference title games in 2025 feature dual-threat QBs in action

Josh Allen celebrates after scoring

Josh Allen enjoys retelling the story of one of the NFL’s most memorable plays from the regular season. In Week 11, during a game against Kansas City, Allen made a critical mistake on a pre-snap call. He said, “The truth is, I was dead wrong on the alert” when facing a fourth-and-2 from the Kansas City 26, with Buffalo leading 23-21 and just over two minutes left in the game.

Allen had checked into a man-to-man play, but the Chiefs dropped into zone coverage, making the play less effective. “So I knew our play was probably not very good and I just tried to make a play. And that’s how it was,” he said.

The Play That Won the Game

It took Allen 14 seconds to execute a series of moves: he faked a pass to his left, turned, assessed the field, and sprinted to his right. He outran two defenders, avoided a tackle attempt by safety Nazeeh Johnson, was spun around by linebacker Nick Bolton, and finally braced for a hit from safety Bryan Cook as they both fell into the end zone.

CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz famously called it, “And there it is, the play of the year,” as Allen’s scramble sealed Buffalo’s 30-21 victory over the previously unbeaten Chiefs.

The Rise of Dual-Threat QBs

This season’s NFL conference championship games highlight the increasing importance of dual-threat quarterbacks. Allen will face Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Championship, while Jalen Hurts from Philadelphia will take on Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in the NFC Championship. Together, these four quarterbacks rushed for 2,359 yards during the regular season.

Comparing Quarterback Rush Yards Over the Years

The rushing totals for quarterbacks in the conference title games have fluctuated over the years. In 2021, four quarterbacks combined for 593 rushing yards, while in 2014, the total was 1,448 yards. Thirty years ago, quarterbacks in the conference title games totaled just 354 rushing yards.

The Evolution of the Position

Matt Ryan, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and current CBS NFL analyst, believes that mobility is now a key part of a young quarterback’s skill set. “It’s the way the league has gone,” Ryan said. He explained that mobility has become essential for quarterbacks, and all four of the quarterbacks remaining in the playoffs are known for their ability to move and make plays with their legs.

Ryan also observed the change firsthand when Cam Newton entered the NFL in 2011. “The stress he put on our coaches and defensive players, I think that gets recognized,” Ryan said. As more quarterbacks with mobility enter the league, Ryan sees it as a natural progression for the position.

Jayden Daniels in the 2nd half

Jayden Daniels Sets Records in Washington

In Washington, Jayden Daniels made history by rushing for 891 yards in his rookie season, the most ever by a rookie quarterback. This surpassed the rushing totals of Cam Newton in 2011 and Robert Griffin III in 2012. Daniels said, “That’s just how the position is played,” emphasizing how mobility is now an integral part of the quarterback role.

Jalen Hurts’ Mobility in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, coach Nick Sirianni has witnessed Jalen Hurts use his mobility to help the Eagles win games, especially when the passing game is limited. In a 22-16 victory over Carolina in December, Hurts, limited to 108 yards passing, rushed for 59 yards, including a 35-yard run on third-and-9 that helped set up a touchdown. “He’s able to make plays in different ways. That’s a huge asset that he has as a quarterback,” Sirianni said.

Patrick Mahomes’ Adaptability

In Kansas City, Patrick Mahomes has shown he can do it all: from shovel passes to scrambling to avoid defenders. Though Mahomes is known as a dual-threat quarterback, his best rushing season was 366 yards in 2021.

Matt Ryan notes that Mahomes has adjusted his style to fit the team, focusing on making smart plays rather than forcing things. “When it’s time to make a play, he is going to do it,” Ryan said. “And I think he’s more dangerous now than he was in 2019.”

Allen’s Power and Physicality

The Chiefs recognize the challenge that Allen poses, especially with his combination of speed, size, and arm strength. “The guy is built like a factory, can run the ball well, has a cannon for an arm, can launch the ball 60 yards downfield whenever he needs to,” said Chiefs safety Justin Reid.

Allen’s evolution as a quarterback reflects the increasing athleticism of the position, which has mirrored the rise of faster and stronger defensive linemen in the NFL.

The Changing Nature of Quarterbacks

For Allen, the rise of dual-threat quarterbacks reflects the evolution of the NFL as a whole. He believes quarterbacks are now among the best athletes on the field, rather than wide receivers, as it was in the past. Allen himself began as a running back before convincing his Pop Warner coach to let him play quarterback.

“I wanted to be a quarterback so bad that any time I got the ball, I would throw it back, until my coach said, ‘Hey, you got a good arm. Do you want to play quarterback?’” Allen recalled. “And I was like, ‘Thank you. Finally.’”

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NFL (American Football)

Saquon Barkley leads the Eagles to a home NFC Championship game against Washington with a standout performance

Saquon Barkley reacts in the 2nd half

Saquon Barkley made his mark in the Eagles’ record book recently, setting a new standard for rushing yards in a playoff game. Last week, Barkley looked up who held the previous record for most rushing yards in a playoff game and found it was Steve Van Buren, who had 196 yards in the 1949 NFL Championship game against the Rams.

Van Buren’s name is well-known to longtime Eagles fans, as his No. 15 is retired, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.

Barkley, who had his sights set on greatness, now holds the playoff rushing record after rushing for 205 yards with two touchdowns in a 28-22 win over the Los Angeles Rams. His 78-yard touchdown run in the snow clinched the win, sending the Eagles to the NFC Championship game at home against the Washington Commanders.

Throughout the season, Barkley has been an essential part of the Eagles’ offense, proving that no matter the conditions, he’s capable of delivering. His performances have helped the Eagles maintain their status as one of the favorites to make a return to the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons.

“Given the conditions or not the conditions, it doesn’t matter. It’s a luxury to have him, that’s for darn sure,” said head coach Nick Sirianni. “Love him. I can’t say enough good things about him and the leadership he brings to this football team and just everything he brings to this football team. He’s special.”

With quarterback Jalen Hurts dealing with an injury, Barkley will need to keep performing at an elite level to help the Eagles move past the Commanders and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.

Jalen Hurts runs with the ball in the 2nd half

Sirianni, who has had some critics, has managed to lead the Eagles to the NFC Championship for the second time in three years. The Eagles also boast the best home winning percentage in the NFL since 2022, tied with Buffalo at .833. However, Sirianni’s success is not without challenges, especially when it comes to the passing game.

A.J. Brown, who had over 1,000 receiving yards in the regular season, voiced concerns earlier in the year about the offense not playing up to standard. This issue persists, as Brown has only recorded three catches for 24 yards in two playoff games. DeVonta Smith hasn’t been much more productive either, with only eight catches for 76 yards in the two games against Green Bay and Los Angeles.

The passing game struggled during the win over the Rams, as Hurts was sacked seven times, including a safety. He also suffered a knee injury during the game but still managed to complete his sixth win of the season despite throwing for only 128 yards.

While Hurts’ ability to win games is unquestionable, the Eagles’ offense may face difficulty against high-scoring teams like Washington or more potent offenses in the Super Bowl.

“Our performance today was enough to win, but enough is never enough in terms of the standards we have for ourselves and what we want to do,” Hurts said after the game.

Hurts has deflected questions about the offense, stating that any play-calling concerns should be directed at Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. However, with Barkley serving as the driving force for the offense, the Eagles’ playoff hopes rest on whether Hurts can step up and lead the offense to greater heights when needed, especially if the team faces tougher competition.

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NFL (American Football)

Saquon Barkley makes history with 205-yard game, ‘chasing greatness’ in Philadelphia’s playoff win

Saquon Barkley runs the ball for a touchdown in the 2nd half

Running back Saquon Barkley set a franchise record for the most rushing yards in a postseason game, with 205 yards, helping the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Los Angeles Rams 28-22 in the NFC divisional round on Sunday.

Barkley now holds the third-most rushing yards in a season, including playoffs, in NFL history with 2,329 yards. He’s only behind Terrell Davis, who ran for 2,331 yards in 1997 and 2,476 yards in 1998.

On the snowy field at Lincoln Financial Field, Barkley ran for two touchdowns of more than 60 yards, reminding fans of his 255-yard, two-touchdown performance against these same Rams in Week 12. Thanks to Barkley’s big plays, the Eagles are heading to the NFC Championship Game, where they will face the Washington Commanders.

The crowd cheered wildly, chanting “MVP” and throwing snowballs after Barkley’s 78-yard touchdown run with under five minutes left, which helped secure the victory.

“The atmosphere was crazy. It was insane,” Barkley said. “I’ve got a smile on my face thinking about it. This is what you dream about. This is why I came to Philly. I wanted to be part of games like this, and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

The win did come with some concern, though, as Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts seemed to hurt his left knee after a third-quarter sack. His leg was pinned under him as Rams safety Jaylen McCollough brought him down. Hurts said he expects to play in Sunday’s game against Washington.

“It was a tough game, a challenging game. I was able to finish the game,” Hurts said. “We’ll see how the week goes.” His mobility was clearly affected after the hit.

Saquon Barkley leaves the field after the game

Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell also left the game early in the first quarter with a shoulder injury and was later ruled out.

Barkley broke a franchise record for most rushing yards in a postseason game, surpassing Steve Van Buren’s record of 196 yards set in 1949, also against the Rams.

Before the game, Barkley reached out to a couple of legendary running backs for advice. He spoke with LeSean McCoy, who rushed for over 200 yards against the Detroit Lions in the Eagles’ Snow Bowl victory in December 2013. Barkley asked McCoy for tips on running in the snow. McCoy told him to “run on your toes” and recommended speaking to the team’s equipment manager, Greg Delimitros, to make sure he had the right cleats to cut in the snow.

Barkley also reached out to former Rams star Marshall Faulk for advice on how to play against a team that was ready to stop him after his previous success against them.

“He told me, ‘Don’t predetermine plays. Trust your reads and allow your eyes and your feet to be connected. Be patient,'” Barkley said.

After the game, Faulk texted Barkley: “Patience and trust. Great job.”

Barkley’s 205 rushing yards were the fifth-most in postseason history. He is now one of only two players, along with Eric Dickerson, to have a 200-yard rushing game in both the regular season and playoffs during their careers.

Barkley said that he researched the Eagles’ record for most rushing yards in a postseason game before the contest, as he was “chasing greatness.”

“I felt like I had a good game last week [against the Green Bay Packers],” he said, “but you want to create a legacy, and I wanted to have one of those types of games. Just visualizing stuff and wondering what the number is. It’s funny how that happened.”

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Jalen Hurts avoids commenting on his knee injury after twisting it in the Eagles’ playoff victory over the Rams in Philadelphia

Jalen Hurts continued to play after twisting his left knee Sunday on a third-quarter sack.

Jalen Hurts finished the game, and the Philadelphia Eagles secured a win, but it’s uncertain how his knee will affect his status for next week’s NFC championship game.

The Eagles quarterback twisted his left knee during the third quarter of Sunday’s 28-22 divisional-round playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Hurts went to the sideline medical tent for treatment, but he returned to the game wearing a knee brace.

After the game, NBC’s Melissa Stark asked Hurts how his knee injury might impact his ability to play in next week’s NFC championship game against the Washington Commanders.

“I’m sure I’ll get asked about it later,” Hurts replied. “I don’t know if I can answer that right now.”

Stark then asked directly: “Are you OK?”

“I finished the game,” Hurts responded.

He did not provide further details about whether or not he was feeling OK.

Hurts didn’t give any more information on his injury during his postgame news conference, but he expressed confidence that he would be ready to play next week.

Jalen Hurts looks to pass in the 2nd half

“Tough game. A challenging game,” Hurts said. “I was able to finish the game, and we’ll see how the week goes.”

At the time of the news conference, no additional information had been provided about his knee injury.

Hurts’ knee injury happened after he was sacked by Rams safety Jaylen McCollough in the third quarter. Both of Hurts’ feet were pinned underneath him during the tackle, and he immediately grabbed at his left knee once he hit the ground.

Hurts got up limping and completed the drive with a handoff to Saquon Barkley before the Eagles kicked a field goal on fourth down.

He spent time in the sideline medical tent during the next Rams possession. When he returned to the field, he had a knee brace on his left leg and was able to continue playing. The Eagles did not update his injury status, and Hurts finished the game, although he appeared to be somewhat limited.

After the game, Hurts walked gingerly down the tunnel to the locker room with a slight limp.

At that point, the specifics of his knee injury were still unclear. Hurts now has a week to recover before next Sunday’s NFC championship game against the Commanders.

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Controversial holding and pass interference calls in the Bills-Ravens game intensify criticism of NFL officials in Baltimore

Baltimore Ravens players celebrates in the 2nd half

Officiating continues to be a major issue in the NFL playoffs, with several games raising questions and causing controversy. The divisional-round matchup between the Ravens and Bills on Sunday was no different. The game featured two calls that left both fans and players from both teams upset during the first half of Buffalo’s 27-25 victory.

The first questionable call occurred in the first quarter when the game was tied 7-7. Buffalo had the ball near midfield, and quarterback Josh Allen threw an 8-yard pass to Curtis Samuel on second-and-11.

However, officials penalized Buffalo’s left tackle Dion Dawkins for holding while blocking Ravens pass rusher David Ojabo. After reviewing the play, it was clear that Ojabo had fallen to the ground on the icy Buffalo turf, and there was no evidence of a hold.

As a result, the Bills were penalized 10 yards and faced a second-and-21 at their own 43-yard line, instead of a third-and-3 at Baltimore’s 39. Buffalo failed to get a first down and had to punt the ball a few plays later. The game stayed tied at 7-7.

The controversy didn’t end there. Toward the end of the second quarter, the Bills benefited from another controversial call. This time, officials flagged Baltimore cornerback Tre’Davious White for pass interference during a pass attempt to Keon Coleman. However, it was White who was shoved to the ground during the play.

White was covering Coleman on a deep pass down the left sideline. The two were fighting for position as Allen threw the pass, and Coleman pushed White to the ground by his helmet. The pass ended up incomplete.

Buffalo Bills players celebrate after the win

Given that both players made contact, the officials could have chosen not to call anything and simply moved on to the next down. Alternatively, they could have called offensive pass interference on Coleman for the shove. However, the officials decided to call defensive pass interference on White, which was a surprising choice.

This penalty gave the Bills a first down and an 18-yard gain to the Ravens’ 12-yard line. Had there been no penalty, the Bills would have faced a fourth-and-5 at the 30-yard line, which could have led to a 47-yard field-goal attempt by Tyler Bass in tough weather conditions. Instead, the Bills went on to score a touchdown on the next drive, pushing their lead to 21-10.

Despite the questionable calls, the Ravens managed to make it a one-score game in the second half. However, Buffalo held onto their lead, partly due to a late drop by Ravens tight end Mark Andrews on a two-point conversion attempt that could have tied the game.

Both teams were affected by controversial calls, but better officiating across the board would have benefited everyone involved.

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Lamar Jackson expresses frustration over the Ravens’ playoff loss in Baltimore, blaming turnovers and Mark Andrews’ dropped pass – “I’m done with this.”

Lamar Jackson jogs to the sidelines in the 4th quarter

After the Baltimore Ravens’ 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC playoffs, quarterback Lamar Jackson was visibly frustrated. He repeatedly slapped his hands together, almost as if trying to snap himself out of a bad dream. Jackson talked about the mistakes that led to the loss, especially the turnovers. “I tried to squeeze the ball, it slipped out of my hand,” he said.

“Tonight, the turnovers, we can’t have that s***… hold on to the f**ing ball. I’m sorry for my language, but this is annoying. I’m tired of this s***.”

Jackson’s emotional reaction was understandable given the number of missed opportunities during the game. The Ravens’ performance was marred by mistakes like a dropped pass by Derrick Henry, a bad snap to Jackson that turned into a fumble, a misread safety that resulted in an interception, and a fumble by tight end Mark Andrews, who also dropped a crucial 2-point conversion that would have tied the game late in the fourth quarter.

Despite these errors, Jackson’s leadership stood out. Late in the game, he led a stellar 88-yard, eight-play drive, capped by a 24-yard touchdown pass that brought the Ravens within striking distance. But then came Andrews’ fumble. The Ravens were left with a loss, not solely due to Jackson’s mistakes, but due to the overall team’s inability to secure the ball when it mattered most.

After the game, Jackson took responsibility, saying, “We didn’t do what we’re supposed to. Protecting the ball, that’s the number one priority. We didn’t do it. Especially me. I’m the leader. I gotta protect that ball. So I’m hot.” He also defended his teammate Andrews, stating that it was a team effort and not just one individual mistake.

Lamar Jackson in the 1st half

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh echoed Jackson’s sentiments, saying the loss was a team issue. He acknowledged that the Ravens had done well all season in protecting the ball, but that the turnovers were simply too costly in this game. “It’s football. This is how football works,” Harbaugh said. “It’s tough to win. It’s a big challenge.”

Despite this loss, the Ravens’ season is filled with questions about Jackson’s future in the playoffs. He’s now 3-5 in postseason games, and this loss adds to the ongoing narrative of his inability to break through to the Super Bowl.

Critics are quick to point out Jackson’s postseason struggles, but it’s important to remember that even legends like Peyton Manning had similar difficulties early in their careers. Manning, who is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, had a 3-6 playoff record in his first nine postseason appearances.

But Jackson is still trying to find his way. The Ravens had a strong season, but in the end, it came down to costly mistakes in critical moments. Last year’s loss to the Chiefs, which featured a critical fumble by wideout Zay Flowers, also highlighted Baltimore’s inability to get past the playoff barrier. Despite getting close, the Ravens were once again left out of the Super Bowl race.

The Ravens entered the offseason with high hopes and expectations, having added star running back Derrick Henry to help shoulder some of the load for Jackson. But as this season showed, the team still faces challenges in the postseason.

Jackson’s leadership and emotional frustration are clear, but the team’s ability to make it past the playoff hurdle remains uncertain. Jackson expressed his frustration after the game: “I’m tired of being right there. We need to punch it in. We need to punch in that ticket.”

Now, the Ravens must look at what went wrong and figure out how to improve. They must address the turnovers and find a way to execute when it matters most. Jackson’s determination is evident, but it will take more than just a few great plays to get the Ravens over the playoff hump.

The future of the team, and Jackson’s place in it, will be determined in the coming months, as the Ravens reflect on yet another early exit from the playoffs.

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said he will “take some time to think” about his future after the playoff loss

Matthew Stafford throws a pass in the 1st half

Matthew Stafford’s recent loss to the Rams could be his final game with the team. After the divisional-round playoff loss to the Eagles, Stafford was asked about his future. He looked at his watch, mentioned the game had just ended, and said he would “take some time to think about it,” according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com.

If his time with the Rams is over, his NFL career is far from finished. Stafford, who was drafted first overall in 2009, is still confident in his abilities. “I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball,” he said. When asked if he had more to offer, he responded, “Sure feels like it.”

At 36 years old, Stafford has two years left on his current contract. This includes a $4 million fully guaranteed roster bonus due in March, along with a non-guaranteed $23 million salary for next season. While his contract is below the current market rate for top quarterbacks, Stafford’s performance remains high.

Earlier in the year, the Rams adjusted Stafford’s contract. This was partly due to underlying tensions between the team and player, which had been brewing since the draft when the Rams did not select a first-round pick to eventually replace him. After a rough 1-4 start, rumors circulated that Stafford might want a trade.

Matthew Stafford passes in the 1st half

However, the Rams turned things around and managed to win the NFC West and a Wild Card playoff game before losing to the Eagles.

The Rams’ trade for Stafford, which involved sending quarterback Jared Goff and multiple draft picks to Detroit, paid off with a Super Bowl win in the 2021 season. However, following the 2022 season, there were hopes that the Jets might trade for him, especially if their efforts to acquire Aaron Rodgers from the Packers fell through.

The Rams are currently in a rebuilding phase, with a focus on developing a young defense and offensive stars like running back Kyren Williams and receiver Puka Nacua. Coach Sean McVay might be considering bringing in a younger quarterback to lead the team moving forward.

When McVay was asked about Stafford’s future, he declined to comment, saying, “I’m not really interested in talking about anything as it relates to next year.” This is similar to how McVay handled questions about defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who unexpectedly retired in March after ten seasons in the NFL.

As the offseason progresses and teams begin looking for new quarterbacks, Stafford could become a sought-after option. The Rams themselves might also find themselves in the market for a new quarterback, depending on how the situation plays out with Stafford.

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Cowboys’ NFC Championship drought continues as Commanders’ victory hands Dallas an unwanted streak

Dallas Cowboys players in the 1st half

Even when the Dallas Cowboys are not in the NFL playoffs, they are still part of the playoff conversation.

This year, the Cowboys missed out on making the NFC playoffs, ending their hopes of breaking a long NFC championship game drought.

The Washington Commanders, a team in the same NFC East division, had the longest drought for making an NFC championship game, but they ended that on Saturday night by defeating the Detroit Lions 45-31 in the NFC divisional round.

This situation has shown that it might not be so hard for the Cowboys to catch up with their rivals after all.

The last time Dallas played in an NFC championship game was during the 1995 NFL season. More specifically, it was on January 14, 1996, when the Cowboys beat the Green Bay Packers to reach Super Bowl 30. In that Super Bowl, they went on to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers, securing the Cowboys’ fifth and final Super Bowl win.

Now, as Dallas looks for a new head coach to help them return to that level, there is extra pressure not only to add another Super Bowl ring but also to at least get close to winning one again.

Dallas Cowboys players celebrates after a touchdown

When was the last time the Cowboys went to the NFC championship game?
The Cowboys’ most recent NFC championship game appearance was on January 14, 1996. That season, they finished with a strong 12-4 record and earned a first-round bye. In the divisional round, they beat their bitter rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Then, they won the NFC championship by defeating the Packers, and later triumphed over the Steelers in Super Bowl 30 with a score of 27-17.

When did the Cowboys last make the playoffs?
While the Cowboys did not make the playoffs in 2024, they were in the playoffs in 2023. Unfortunately, they lost to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round that year.

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NFL (American Football)

Barkley rushes in the snow as the Eagles defeat the Rams 28-22 in Philadelphia, advancing to the NFC Championship

Saquon Barkley runs the ball for a touchdown in the 2nd half

Saquon Barkley broke through a gap in the snow and dashed untouched into the end zone, celebrating his 78-yard touchdown run with a tap of his helmet on the last snowy steps of his run. The Eagles’ star running back had another big game, running for two touchdowns and leading his team to a 28-22 victory over the Rams in a snowy playoff battle in Philadelphia.

The Rams had prepared for the possibility of snow and strong winds in their trip to Philadelphia, but nothing could stop Barkley. As he crossed the goal line on his 78-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, he waved his arms in celebration before sliding into the snow—truly a memorable moment for Eagles fans.

Barkley’s two long runs, one for 62 yards in the first half and the other for 78 yards in the fourth quarter, helped him finish with 205 rushing yards in the game.

“This is the reason why I came here,” Barkley said after the game. “This was the best opportunity to play in a game like this.”

Barkley’s impressive performance was part of an overall solid Eagles effort. His 62-yard touchdown in the first half and 78-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter gave him four touchdowns of 60+ yards against the Rams this season. Before the snap of his final touchdown, Barkley signaled to quarterback Jalen Hurts that a big play was coming.

“It was fun. It was a play that I asked for,” Barkley said. “It’s a beautiful thing when stuff like that happens.”

Saquon Barkley sits in the snow in the 2nd half

The Eagles, now preparing for the NFC Championship game, had a strong showing despite some missed extra points from kicker Jake Elliott. With their win, they earned the right to host the NFC Championship next week against Washington, who surprised the top-seeded Detroit Lions with a win on Saturday.

The Rams kept the game competitive, largely thanks to quarterback Matthew Stafford’s efforts. Stafford, playing through sore ribs, threw for 324 yards and kept his team in the game with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson, making the score 28-22.

The Rams had a chance to make a comeback in the final two minutes, with Stafford completing two big passes to move the ball into Eagles territory. However, a sack by Jalen Carter on third down followed by an incomplete pass on fourth down ended their hopes of a game-winning drive.

The Rams struggled with turnovers in the game, including one by running back Kyren Williams that led to an Eagles field goal and another when Stafford was strip-sacked. These turnovers proved costly as they led to key points for Philadelphia.

The Eagles, who played in the snowy conditions with a lot of energy, celebrated their turnovers by making snow angels in the end zone. Even some brave fans went shirtless in the cold weather to cheer on their team.

The Eagles’ defense was crucial, forcing the Rams into several mistakes. Hurts, despite being sacked seven times and playing with a knee brace, managed to lead his team efficiently.

Philadelphia Eagles in the 2nd half

Barkley was a standout performer, finishing with 118 yards at halftime and showcasing his ability to break off long runs. The Rams’ defense did manage to sack Hurts three times in the first half and caused a safety that brought the score to 16-15. But in the end, it was Barkley’s big plays and the Eagles’ ability to capitalize on turnovers that sealed the victory.

Hurts’ longest run of the game was a 44-yard touchdown early in the first quarter that gave the Eagles a 7-0 lead. After Elliott’s missed extra point, the Rams got on the scoreboard with a touchdown from Tyler Higbee, who had just recovered from a chest injury sustained the previous week.

Barkley’s second touchdown, a 62-yard run, came shortly after, giving the Eagles a 13-7 lead. The Rams, who were without key defensive plays in the second half, struggled to stop Barkley. In a season that had been full of highs and lows, the Rams’ playoff run ended on a tough note, as they could not overcome the turnovers and mistakes made during the game.

Despite the loss, Rams coach Sean McVay praised his team’s effort. “I don’t think anybody ever really expected the end of the season to be right now, and the finality of it is tough for me to swallow,” McVay said.

Philadelphia will now focus on their upcoming NFC Championship game, where they will face Washington with hopes of returning to the Super Bowl.