The Dallas Cowboys initiated their coaching search with a virtual interview of Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, a former Cowboys offensive coordinator. Moore, who served as Dak Prescott’s play-caller from 2019 to 2022, left for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. His return would mark a key pivot following the departure of Mike McCarthy.
Moore’s Role and Recent Successes
A former backup quarterback for Prescott, Moore became his position coach in 2018. He recently directed a successful Eagles offense, highlighted by Saquon Barkley’s historic 2,000-yard rushing season. The Eagles now face the Rams in the divisional playoffs, showcasing Moore’s impact on their offensive unit.
Kellen Moore (NFL)
Dallas plans to interview former head coaches Robert Saleh and Leslie Frazier. Saleh was dismissed by the New York Jets during the 2024 season, while Frazier, now Seattle’s assistant head coach, previously led the Minnesota Vikings. Both candidates bring significant NFL experience to the table.
Jerry Jones Explores Familiar Faces
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has also engaged in informal talks with Colorado coach Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Dallas star. Sanders helped the Cowboys win their last Super Bowl in 1995, a season fans still revere.
Another name in contention is Cowboys legend Jason Witten, an 11-time Pro Bowl tight end. Currently coaching at a private school in Dallas, Witten remains a revered figure in Cowboys history and could be an unconventional but impactful choice.
The Washington Commanders know they have a tough challenge ahead against the Philadelphia Eagles. Their focus remains on what it has been in the past two meetings: stopping Saquon Barkley. This has been a struggle for Washington and other teams all season.
Barkley’s Impact on Washington
Barkley proved to be a serious threat in both games against Washington. In those two games, he rushed for a total of 296 yards and scored four touchdowns. However, there was a clear contrast in his runs: out of 55 runs, 26 were for 2 yards or less, but he also had three runs for 130 yards and three touchdowns.
Barkley had an impressive regular season, rushing for 2,005 yards and was considered for MVP. In the playoff win against the Los Angeles Rams, he rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.
Washington’s defense knows stopping Barkley will be a key to their success. Linebacker Bobby Wagner emphasized the importance of staying disciplined throughout the game since Barkley has the ability to break off big runs at any moment.
Washington’s defense has struggled with the run all season. They ranked 30th in rushing yards allowed per game and 28th in yards per carry. In two earlier games against Philadelphia, they allowed over 200 rushing yards in both.
The Commanders understand that the Eagles’ offense has more than just Barkley to worry about. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is also a running threat. In their previous games against Washington, Hurts rushed for 80 yards on 13 carries. However, Hurts did sustain a concussion in the second game and did not return, which may have limited his ability to make plays.
If Hurts is still affected by a knee injury, Washington might be able to focus more on stopping Barkley. But they are preparing for a full-strength Eagles team with Hurts, top receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, and a strong offensive line.
Washington Commanders players celebrate a touchdown in the 1st half
Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is clear about how Washington will handle Hurts. He mentioned they plan to treat Hurts like a running back and hit him hard, putting the decision in the Eagles’ hands whether to expose him to those kinds of hits.
Eagles’ coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged this approach and said they are cautious in how they use Hurts to protect him. However, Whitt’s main focus remains Barkley.
Past Encounters with Barkley
Commanders’ coach Dan Quinn knows Barkley well, having faced him six times when he was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Barkley had mixed success against Dallas, averaging just 49.3 yards per game against them, with a high of 81 yards in a game.
However, in the Commanders’ game against Philadelphia in November, Barkley showed his explosive abilities. After being held to 70 yards through three quarters, he rushed for 90 yards on 11 carries in the fourth, scoring two touchdowns.
In the next meeting, Barkley rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, with a 68-yard touchdown run. The Commanders did manage to limit him to 27 yards on 16 carries in the second half.
Quinn emphasized Barkley’s unique skill set, noting his combination of quickness and power. “It’s the explosive plays that he can create,” Quinn said, “and his rare change of direction. He has the quickness of a smaller back and the size of a big back.”
When asked about Barkley’s performance with the Eagles compared to his time with the New York Giants, Whitt remarked, “He’s always looked good to me.” Despite switching teams, Barkley remains a key focus for the Commanders as they prepare for the upcoming game against Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Eagles have been dominant since October, securing 16 wins in three seasons, with several signs of a Super Bowl-worthy team. They are on a 10-game winning streak, have the top defense in the league, and had six players selected for the Pro Bowl.
Running back Saquon Barkley has also set team records, coming close to breaking the NFL’s single-season rushing record. The Eagles are 14-1 since October, including two straight postseason wins at home.
However, there’s one team that gave them trouble. That team is the Washington Commanders, who pulled off a remarkable win against the Eagles in December.
This win sparked belief within the Commanders’ camp, including coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, that they might be ready for a Super Bowl run. The Lions were the latest team to feel the power of the Commanders’ defense, which forced five turnovers and led to a dominant 45-31 victory in Detroit.
Eagles Ready for the Rematch
The Eagles, who still remember their December loss to the Commanders, are prepared to face them again. They’ll meet for the third time this season in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles are the favorites, with a 6-point lead according to BetMGM Sportsbook, but they will be dealing with quarterback Jalen Hurts’ left knee injury.
Hurts did not miss any plays after getting hurt during the divisional game against the Los Angeles Rams, and he insists he will play in the NFC Championship Game. This will be a crucial boost for the Eagles after Hurts missed two regular season games with a concussion.
The Eagles won the first matchup against the Commanders 26-18, with Barkley rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns. In the rematch, the Commanders won 36-33, with Daniels throwing five touchdown passes.
Jayden Daniels throws in the 1st half
Commanders’ Confidence and Daniels’ Leadership
The Commanders had few believers outside their locker room as they entered the postseason, but Daniels has led the team to six straight victories, including a big win over the Lions. The Commanders are feeling confident and are looking to prove they can handle the pressure of a championship game.
“It’s the final four,” Daniels said. “There’s going to be a lot more eyes on these teams, so you could get out of whack, you could listen to the media, stuff like that. But if you keep your same routine, stay consistent, it will work out.”
Barkley’s Challenge for the Commanders’ Defense
Barkley is coming off a massive game where he rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams. His performance against the Commanders this season has been a mix of highs and lows. In their first matchup, he rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns, but in their second game, Barkley’s numbers dropped after Hurts left the game with a concussion.
Despite the Commanders’ success against him in the second half of their second meeting, Barkley remains focused on the upcoming game.
Barkley commented, “I think they sold out on the run… We still put up 30-something points and had the opportunity to win the football game.”
Daniels Makes History as a Rookie QB
Jayden Daniels has already made history by becoming the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to a conference championship game. If he leads the Commanders to the Super Bowl, he will be the first rookie QB to ever reach the big game. Daniels set a rookie record for rushing yards (891) and has thrown for 567 yards through two rounds of the playoffs.
“He’s the ultimate pro as a rookie,” said receiver Terry McLaurin. “Whether it’s a good play or a bad play, he’s always worried about the next play and how we can execute it at the highest level.”
Jalen Hurts limped back to the Philadelphia Eagles’ huddle after injuring his left knee on a sack. The injury caused him to leave the field briefly and head to the sideline medical tent for an examination.
After being checked, Hurts returned to the field, much to the surprise of his teammates. Wide receiver A.J. Brown noted, “We looked up, and (Hurts) was warming up. So that tells you everything about him.”
Hurts didn’t miss any plays, and his presence helped the Eagles secure their ninth straight home win, advancing them to the NFC Championship game. Despite still feeling the injury, Hurts is determined to play in the upcoming game against the Washington Commanders.
Preparing for the Big Game
The Eagles had a walk-through on Wednesday, which may have been to reduce stress on Hurts’ knee, but that won’t stop him from playing on Sunday. “I’m expecting him to come out and do what he does,” Brown said. “He’s a warrior.”
When asked about his knee, Hurts answered briefly, saying it’s “progressing” and confirmed that he would be ready to play.
Hurts’ History of Playing Through Injuries
Hurts has been remarkably tough throughout his career, playing through various injuries. Last season, he dealt with a broken finger and missed two games due to a concussion. The year before, a shoulder injury affected his performance, but he still led the Eagles to the Super Bowl.
Jalen Hurts runs with the ball in the 1st half
“It’s a part of the game,” Hurts said. “I accept whatever comes with that.”
Impact on Hurts’ Playing Style
While Hurts is known for his dual-threat ability, his knee injury could affect his mobility. He rushed for 630 yards this season, including a 44-yard touchdown run before he got hurt against the Los Angeles Rams. However, despite the injury, Hurts remains a key player for the Eagles, and his passing numbers this season reflect his all-around game.
Although Hurts’ passing yards have been lower than in previous seasons, he has been efficient. He threw for 2,903 yards and 18 touchdowns this season, with only five interceptions. His playoff performance has been solid, throwing 259 yards and two touchdowns in wins over Green Bay and Los Angeles.
Playoff Performance and Team Success
While passing yards aren’t the ultimate measure of a quarterback’s success, Hurts has led his team through the playoffs, even with limited air yardage. The Eagles are now the betting favorites to win the Super Bowl, and despite the team’s lower passing yardage in their playoff wins, Hurts’ leadership is undeniable.
Hurts’ ability to play through pain and lead his team has earned him the respect of his teammates. “I’m expecting Jalen to be Jalen,” running back Saquon Barkley said. “He’s going to show up for us. He’s going to make plays. He has that ‘it’ factor.”
Philadelphia Eagles players celebrates after a touchdown
The Divisional Round was filled with intense games and turnovers, and out of that chaos, the Philadelphia Eagles emerged as the current Super Bowl favorite. After a tough win against the Rams in snowy conditions, the Eagles are leading the pack with the best odds at +180 on BetMGM, at least for now.
The Eagles’ odds benefit from their easier matchup against the Washington Commanders, while the two top AFC teams, Kansas City and Buffalo, will face off in the AFC Championship. The winner of that game is expected to become the Super Bowl favorite, but for now, they sit behind Philadelphia in the odds.
Buffalo Bills’ Path to the Super Bowl
The Buffalo Bills appear to be the stronger team of the two AFC contenders, especially after their solid performance against the Ravens. Buffalo played mistake-free football, with quarterback Josh Allen leading a low-risk, efficient offense. While his passing yards were modest, Allen made quick decisions and avoided pressure, posting one of his fastest times to throw this season.
On defense, Buffalo’s aggressive approach, including sending 15 blitzes at Lamar Jackson, paid off, as they were able to force mistakes from the Ravens. This adaptability, combined with Allen’s steady play, makes Buffalo a formidable Super Bowl contender, even though they face a tough matchup against Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs’ Road to the Super Bowl
While Buffalo seems like the stronger team on paper, Kansas City cannot be underestimated, especially in January. The Chiefs have a remarkable ability to win close games, finishing all 11 of their tight matches with victories. Their offense might not be as explosive as in past seasons, but they find ways to win, even when they are outplayed.
In a recent game against the Texans, Kansas City won despite being outgained by 100 yards and failing to force any turnovers. Their ability to grind out wins in tough situations makes them a dangerous team as they head into the AFC Championship.
Philadelphia Eagles players celebrate after a touchdown in the 2nd half
Philadelphia Eagles’ Strategy for the Super Bowl
At the start of the playoffs, neither of the two remaining NFC teams seemed strong enough to compete with the Chiefs, Bills, or Ravens, but the Philadelphia Eagles have shown they can compete. After two games, they may not appear perfect, but they have the weapons to succeed.
Against the Rams, the Eagles relied heavily on their strong offensive line and star running back Saquon Barkley, who dominated with a 7.9 yards per carry average. Barkley scored touchdowns from 62 and 78 yards, helping to push Philadelphia forward. Jalen Hurts also contributed with a 44-yard touchdown run.
However, some late-game decisions raised questions, particularly when Hurts, who was dealing with an injury, dropped back to pass in key moments. Despite this, Philadelphia’s powerful running game could be their ticket to success in the Super Bowl, especially since the Commanders have struggled to stop the run this season.
Washington Commanders’ Path to the Super Bowl
The Washington Commanders are facing a tough challenge, as the Eagles boast the best defense in the league. Philadelphia’s defense ranks highly in both pass defense and run defense, which will make things difficult for Washington. However, Washington has a strong quarterback in Daniels, who has performed excellently under pressure.
In their recent game against the Lions, Daniels completed 12-of-16 passes against the blitz, leading his team to multiple key conversions, including three fourth-down attempts.
Washington has shown they can adapt and win in various ways, which could be crucial if they continue their playoff run. If they manage to beat the Eagles, they will have proven themselves capable of overcoming any challenge, with the potential to take on either Kansas City or Buffalo in the Super Bowl.
The Philadelphia Eagles versus Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship is a matchup I never anticipated. Despite its significance, the game offers little excitement for me. The only way it could have been worse is if it were held in Dallas, which adds to the difficulty of facing teams from my division.
Rivalries Rooted in Childhood: The NFC East Struggles
Growing up near FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, shaped my view of NFL fandom. As a New York Giants fan, I found myself rooting as much against NFC East rivals, like Washington and Dallas, as I did for my team. These rivalries were deeply personal and defined my early football experiences.
Eagles vs. Commanders (NFC)
For me, the legacy of the Giants’ past Super Bowl victories was distant. The 1987 and 1991 championships happened before my time, leaving me to admire legends from afar. By the time I became a fan, the Giants’ glory years felt distant, and I was left clinging to whatever moments of success I could find.
The 2001 Super Bowl and Growing Hatred for Rivals
The 2001 Super Bowl cemented my hatred for rival teams. While the Giants’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens was painful, it fueled my disdain for the division’s other teams. Their continued success was something I couldn’t bear, and the Philadelphia Eagles soon emerged as my prime target, further fueling my frustration.
Despite the Giants’ struggles and brief moments of glory, my hatred for NFC East teams never wavered. The Eagles’ dominance under Andy Reid only added to my animosity, while Eli Manning’s 2008 and 2012 Super Bowl victories kept my passion alive. The rivalry between the Eagles and Commanders remains intense, and this NFC Championship clash feels like my personal hell.
Saquon Barkley had an incredible performance in the snow, scoring two long touchdowns, one of 78 yards and another of 62 yards, finishing with a total of 205 rushing yards. Jalen Hurts also contributed with a 44-yard touchdown run.
Despite some challenges, the Philadelphia Eagles managed to hold on and defeat the Los Angeles Rams 28-22 on Sunday, advancing to the NFC Championship Game for the second time in three seasons.
Barkley’s 62-yard touchdown came in the first half, and then in the fourth quarter, he ran 78 yards for another score. As he crossed into the end zone, he celebrated by smacking his helmet and flapping his arms before sliding into the snow.
The Eagles will now face the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game next Sunday after the Commanders upset the top-seeded Detroit Lions. The Eagles are currently favored by 5.5 points in the matchup.
“The elements were great, but the atmosphere was even better,” Barkley said. “Our fans were amazing. That was a close one, but that’s playoff football. And at the end of the day, we got the job done.”
The Rams put up a strong fight, thanks in part to two missed extra points by Eagles kicker Jake Elliott. Matthew Stafford threw for 324 yards, keeping the Rams in the game with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson that made the score 28-22.
The Rams had a chance to tie the game with two minutes left, as Stafford completed passes of 11 and 37 yards to move into Eagles’ territory. But Stafford was sacked by Jalen Carter on third down, and his fourth-down pass was incomplete, ending their hopes of a comeback.
The Rams also committed multiple turnovers in the fourth quarter. One was a fumble by running back Kyren Williams, which led to a field goal for the Eagles, and another was a strip-sack of Stafford, leading to another Elliott field goal that gave Philadelphia a 22-15 lead.
The Eagles are set to host the NFC Championship Game for the fifth time since Lincoln Financial Field opened in 2003.
As snow continued to fall, Eagles defenders celebrated by making snow angels in the end zone after the turnovers. Some dedicated fans braved the cold, even going shirtless, while Santa Claus made an appearance without any reports of snowball throwing.
Stadium workers used snowblowers to clear the yard lines and hash marks, and the Eagles cleared the snow in the area where Elliott would kick his field goals.
Philadelphia Eagles players celebrate after a touchdown
Hurts threw for just 128 yards and struggled with mobility in the second half after being fitted with a knee brace. He didn’t miss any snaps but was easily tackled when he was sacked seven times. Hurts had previously suffered a concussion in a loss to Washington in December, causing him to miss two games. That was the only loss the Eagles had after returning from their bye with a 2-2 record.
“It comes through Philly. That means everything for this city, this team, and we’ve got everything we want in front of us,” Hurts said.
At halftime, Barkley had 118 total yards, but the Rams’ defense, which had recently recorded nine sacks against the Minnesota Vikings, sacked Hurts three times in the first half. Hurts was sacked twice on consecutive plays to end the half, knocking the Eagles out of field goal range.
The Eagles used a similar strategy to their November win over the Rams in Los Angeles, relying on big plays. Barkley had touchdown runs of 70 and 72 yards in that game, and in this one, his runs helped push the Eagles to victory.
Hurts had the longest touchdown run of his career with a 44-yarder on the fifth play of the game, getting the crowd fired up. However, Elliott missed an extra point following the touchdown.
The Rams responded with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Tyler Higbee, who had been hospitalized earlier in the week for a chest injury. Barkley then gave the Eagles a 13-7 lead with his 62-yard touchdown run.
He slowed down near the end zone and looked back at Rams linebacker Jared Verse, mocking him for trailing behind. Barkley’s run was his fifth of the season of 50 or more yards, and he became the first player to score three touchdowns of 60-plus yards against a single team since Jamal Lewis did it against the Browns in 2003.
Verse, a rookie linebacker and Pennsylvania native, had stirred up some tension before the game by taunting Eagles fans. His actions didn’t sit well with the Philly crowd, who booed him during warm-ups and after the big screen showed him sitting on the bench.
Joshua Karty kicked two field goals in the first half for the Rams. Meanwhile, Elliott redeemed himself with a 44-yard field goal in the third quarter, giving the Eagles a 16-13 lead.
Only the coordinators who interviewed for head coaching positions before playoff games can say whether those interviews were a distraction. However, that won’t stop people from making assumptions.
The NFL’s hiring process became a hot topic when the Detroit Lions were knocked out of the playoffs. The Lions finished the season with a strong 15-2 record and secured the NFC’s No. 1 seed, but they were eliminated by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round.
Some Lions fans, unhappy with the team’s early exit, blamed offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for possibly focusing more on interviews than their game plans.
Johnson accepted the Chicago Bears’ head coaching offer on Monday, just two days after the Lions lost 45-31 to the Commanders. During Detroit’s bye week, Johnson had interviewed with the Bears, Patriots, Jaguars, and Raiders.
Despite the distraction of interviews, Johnson’s offense performed well, accumulating 521 yards and scoring 31 points. This showed that he wasn’t too distracted to create an effective offensive game plan.
However, Johnson made one critical mistake in the game. With 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter, trailing by 10 points, he called a trick play. Wide receiver Jameson Williams ended up throwing an interception, though he should have tucked the ball and run instead of trying to pass into coverage.
Fox broadcaster Tom Brady, who is also a minority owner of the Raiders and involved in interviewing Johnson, criticized the trick play. “Not a great time for a trick play,” Brady said.
Despite the negative outcome, Johnson’s trick plays had some success earlier in the game. Williams ran for a 61-yard touchdown on a double reverse, and running back David Montgomery completed a 20-yard shovel pass after receiving a pitch from quarterback Jared Goff.
Glenn, who had also interviewed with multiple teams including the Bears, Jaguars, Raiders, Saints, and Jets, had a difficult time as well. He turned down an interview request from the Patriots, who later hired Mike Vrabel.
His defense gave up 38 points and 481 yards to Washington, but the Lions were missing several key players, including cornerback Amik Robertson, who was injured early in the game.
Mike Vrabel gestures in the event
While Johnson and Glenn weren’t the only coordinators interviewing for head coaching jobs during the playoffs, they were on the losing end of one of the biggest upsets of the postseason.
On the other hand, Washington’s offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, decided to wait until after the season to interview so he could focus on the playoffs. Washington’s defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr., had his first interview with the Jets on Sunday.
Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo have also been involved in interviews with various teams during the playoffs.
According to NFL rules, assistants on playoff teams can only conduct virtual interviews. This year, the league also limited interviews to a maximum of three hours for coaches still participating in the playoffs.
Many assistants prepare for potential interviews during the offseason, so they don’t have to start from scratch when they get a call.
Johnson, who was in his third hiring cycle, said last week, “This go-around, I’ve been a lot more prepared for the types of questions that they’ve been asking.” He added, “I’ve also changed my frame of mind a little bit, and instead of worrying solely about the offense and what we’re doing right here, I’ve been able to have offseasons and summers to think about the big-picture view, what a program would look like where I’m running it.
And so, I think that way, I’m a lot more prepared for the questions that come my way and I’m much more comfortable answering them.”
Glenn also entered this cycle more prepared after interviewing with teams last year. He shared, “I think those are things you always look at during the offseason, guys that you think that mesh well with you, that are compatible with how you think and how you want to operate.”
He continued, “During the season you really don’t even mess with it at all because you’re so locked in to what you’re doing, and then once the interviews start, you start to come back to some of those things, some of those people that you talked to. You start to think about, ‘Is this a guy that I feel like I can win a Super Bowl with?’ And I always look at it that way.”
Eagles fans were concerned when Moore had three interviews, including one with the Cowboys just two days before their game against the Rams. They were even less happy with his play-calling in a close 28-22 win. However, Moore explained, “It’s really the same process we normally take.
Nothing changes in our preparation for a game.” He added, “You know, I missed a fourth-grade basketball game on Friday night; that’s about it. Other than that, it’s the same process.”
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.
Cooper Kupp is unsure if his impressive eight-year career with the Los Angeles Rams came to an end last weekend in Philadelphia.
Although Kupp is under contract for the next two seasons, the large size of his deal could lead the Rams to part ways with the Super Bowl 56 MVP. Kupp is aware of this possibility.
“Who knows what’s going to happen?” Kupp said Monday as the Rams cleaned out their lockers at the training complex. “A lot of stuff is out of my control. We’ll see what it’s going to be. There’s obviously stuff that was going on early on in the season, and we’ll see.
I don’t have any clarity on what that’s going to look like or anything like that. So yeah, obviously would love to be in LA, but I don’t know what that’s going to look like.”
The “stuff” Kupp referred to includes the trade talks that reminded him that nothing is permanent in the NFL. When the Rams started the season 1-4, they received calls to see if they were willing to trade Kupp, who was injured at the time.
One reason for considering a trade was to move his three-year, $80.1 million contract extension, which he received after his remarkable 2021-22 season, where he won the Triple Crown of receiving and the Super Bowl MVP award during the Rams’ victory over Cincinnati.
Kupp’s contract for 2025 is a big financial burden. He is set to take up nearly $30 million in cap space, but the Rams could save about two-thirds of that by releasing him, as he will be 32 next season.
The Rams could also attempt to restructure Kupp’s deal, but Kupp knows that the front office is not sentimental. General manager Les Snead has already released or traded players like Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, and Robert Woods before their contract extensions even began.
However, Kupp is not retiring anytime soon.
“I feel like I’ve got a lot of good football left in me,” Kupp said. “So I definitely will be playing football next year, that much I know.”
Kupp called the just-completed season “frustrating,” mainly because of his injury and his limited production after returning to health. Despite this, he is proud of how the Rams turned things around after their rough start, eventually winning the NFC West title and making it to the postseason. They almost managed to defeat the Eagles and host the NFC championship game this week, but a few fumbles in the cold weather cost them.
The Rams’ close playoff loss in snowy Philadelphia won’t change the positive outlook surrounding the team. After winning 10 of their last 14 games, the Rams are showing faster progress in their rebuild than many expected and look ready to contend next season.
Sean McVay stands on the sidelines
Kupp said Monday that he wasn’t dealing with any injuries that would limit his offseason work, but his numbers weren’t as impressive as usual. He had 67 catches for 710 yards and six touchdowns, but just 12 catches for 162 yards in the last five games of the regular season, marking the least productive stretch of his career.
Kupp seemed to hint that he would have liked a more prominent role in coach Sean McVay’s offense as the season ended.
“Watching film, there’s things that I’m feeling good about, but production-wise it’s not showing up,” Kupp said. “A lot of stuff is outside my control and it is frustrating, but at the same time, we’re finding ways along that stretch to win games, finding ways to come out of games with Ws, and even though it wasn’t pretty a lot of the times offensively, we got it done.
And so there’s frustration there, and I want to be able to feel like I’m impacting games. I can look back on the season and be happy with what I put on tape. Things that I was being asked to do, I feel like I was executing my job.”
After catching just one pass in the Rams’ wild-card round win over Minnesota, Kupp had five receptions for 61 yards against the Eagles.
The Rams’ offseason plans will depend heavily on quarterback Matthew Stafford, who said Sunday night he would “take some time to think about” his future. However, Stafford sounded optimistic about returning, even after fumbling twice in the fourth quarter of a tough loss.
Next season would be Stafford’s 17th year, and although he dealt with a rib injury down the stretch, he took less physical punishment this season, being sacked only 28 times—his fewest since 2013 in Detroit.
Stafford did not speak to reporters on Monday.
The Rams also face some big decisions regarding free agents. Left tackle Alaric Jackson, an unrestricted free agent, is in line for a significant payday after a strong season. Other unrestricted free agents include receiver Tutu Atwell, who may seek a team more willing to use him, veteran tackle Joe Noteboom, linebacker and special teams standout Michael Hoecht, and defensive lineman Bobby Brown.
Veteran receiver Demarcus Robinson, who set career highs with 505 yards and seven touchdowns, expressed interest in returning: “I love the organization, love my coaches. Whatever I have to do to try to be here in the same system, because I think it fits well for me.”
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.”
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.
