Tag: Saquon Barkley

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NFL (American Football)

Eagles and Commanders face off for the third time this season, with a Super Bowl berth on the line in Sunday’s game in Philadelphia

Saquon Barkley sits in the snow in the 2nd half

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.”

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NFL (American Football)

Eagles Secure NFC Championship Spot with Win Over Rams in Philadelphia

Saquon Barkley sits in the snow in the 2nd half

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.

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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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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.

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NFL (American Football)

The Philadelphia Eagles secured a narrow victory in Philadelphia, earning the NFC East title

Philadelphia Eagles players celebrates after a touchdown in the 2nd half

Saquon Barkley ran for 167 yards to surpass 2,000 yards for the season, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett ran and threw for touchdowns before leaving the game with injured ribs, and the Philadelphia Eagles secured the NFC East title by defeating the Dallas Cowboys 41-7 on Sunday.

Barkley now has 2,005 yards and needs 101 more in the final regular-season game to surpass Eric Dickerson’s 2,105 yards from 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Eagles (13-3) were ahead 24-7 in the third quarter when Pickett, starting in place of the injured Jalen Hurts, was hit by defensive end Micah Parsons, ending his first start. Tanner McKee, the third-string quarterback, took over and the Eagles finished the drive with a field goal.

McKee later threw two touchdown passes, one for 20 yards to A.J. Brown and another for 25 yards to DeVonta Smith, helping the Eagles finish off their division rivals in front of a cheering crowd. This win secured the NFC East title and at least the No. 2 seed in the NFC.

Hurts was injured during last week’s loss to Washington and is still in the concussion protocol. He didn’t practice during the week, which allowed Pickett to start. Pickett, who was traded from Pittsburgh in the offseason, wore extra protection on his jersey after suffering a rib injury while playing against the Commanders.

Despite his sore ribs, Pickett was excited about his start. He grew up as an Eagles fan in central New Jersey, about 80 miles from Lincoln Financial Field, and had fond memories of going to games with his father and grandfather since he was 5. Pickett said he had a lot of family at the stadium cheering for him, along with over 60,000 other Eagles fans.

Unfortunately, Pickett’s dream day ended early. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards.

With the division title secured, Hurts will likely rest for another week before the playoffs. Pickett may also be out now, possibly leading to McKee starting. Barkley had 31 carries, and his final run of 23 yards took him over 2,000 yards.

Saquon Barkley gets past Myles Cole in the 2nd half

He might also sit out next week to avoid injury as he chases Dickerson’s record. Barkley, who left the Giants to sign a three-year, $26 million guaranteed deal with the Eagles, has set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a player’s first season with a new team.

Pickett’s friends and family had to wait a bit before seeing him play after Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson returned an interception 69 yards for a touchdown on Dallas’ first drive. Cooper Rush, who threw for 147 yards and had two interceptions, then led Dallas on a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert.

Pickett responded by connecting with Grant Calcaterra for 34 yards and then hitting Smith, who caught six passes for 120 yards, for a 22-yard touchdown to give the Eagles a 14-7 lead.

The Eagles’ defense helped Pickett by recovering a fumble, which led to a Jake Elliott 31-yard field goal. Gardner-Johnson’s second interception of the day set up Pickett’s rushing touchdown on a tush push, just like Hurts does.

Pickett, who completed 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards, took two hard hits on the same drive: Odighizuwa was flagged for roughing the passer, and Parsons delivered the hit that forced Pickett out of the game.

The Eagles were glad to have a reliable backup quarterback who had a 14-10 record as a starter with the Steelers. Pittsburgh legend Terry Bradshaw, commenting for Fox, said the Steelers should not have let him go.

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NFL (American Football)

Eagles to sit RB Saquon Barkley, ending record pursuit

Saquon Barkley reacts in the 2nd half

Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson will keep the NFL’s single-season rushing record for at least another year.

With the Philadelphia Eagles already in the playoffs, head coach Nick Sirianni announced on Wednesday that some players will be rested for the final game of the regular season against the New York Giants.

Among those sitting out will be star running back Saquon Barkley, who needed 101 yards to break Dickerson’s long-standing record of 2,105 rushing yards set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams.

The Eagles (13-3) have already secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC, so health is the team’s priority heading into their season finale against the 3-13 Giants.

“It’s a very special record that’s been standing for a very long time by a great player,” said Sirianni. “But you try to do what’s best for the team. Our goals are to have success and play well in the next game we play.”

Barkley has topped 101 rushing yards in 11 games this season, including a 167-yard performance in Sunday’s 41-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys. That performance helped him become the ninth player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a season.

On Sunday, Barkley said he would respect Sirianni’s decision about playing in the finale.

Philadelphia Eagles players celebrate after a touchdown

“Whatever his decision is, I’m all for it,” Barkley said. “If his mindset is, we’ll go out there and try it, I’ll go out there and try it. If his mindset is, let’s rest and get ready for this run, I’m all for that, too … I came here to do something special. Breaking a record is special, but I want a banner up there. I think we all do.”

In his first season with the Eagles, Barkley leads the NFL in rushing attempts (345), rushing yards (2,005), and yards from scrimmage (2,283).

Sirianni also mentioned that quarterback Jalen Hurts is still in concussion protocol, and the team has not yet decided who will start against the Giants in light of Kenny Pickett’s rib injury. Either Tanner McKee or Ian Book could take the starting role.

Hurts and Pickett both got injured during the Eagles’ 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders on Dec. 22. Pickett threw for 143 yards in that game and also against the Cowboys before McKee came in, completing 3 of 4 passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns.

In other news, the Eagles also activated tight end Dallas Goedert’s 21-day practice window on Wednesday. Goedert was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 7, a week after suffering a knee injury in the Eagles’ 24-19 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Goedert, 29, had started all nine games he played this season, catching 38 passes for 441 yards and two touchdowns. He was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has since racked up 345 receptions for 4,030 yards and 24 touchdowns in 92 career games (75 starts).

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MLB (Baseball)

Eagles Dominate Cowboys 41-7 to Clinch NFC East as Barkley Nears NFL Rushing Record

Eagles Dominate Cowboys 41-7 to Clinch NFC East as Barkley Nears NFL Rushing Record
Eagles Dominate Cowboys 41-7 to Clinch NFC East as Barkley Nears NFL Rushing Record

The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title with a dominant 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, driven by Saquon Barkley’s exceptional 167-yard rushing performance, which brought his season total to 2,005 yards. Barkley needs 101 more yards in next week’s finale to break Eric Dickerson’s 1984 record of 2,105 rushing yards. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett stepped in for the concussed Jalen Hurts and delivered a solid performance before a rib injury cut his day short. Third-string quarterback Tanner McKee took over and threw two touchdown passes, securing a resounding victory and solidifying the Eagles as a top NFC contender.

Kenny Pickett’s start was particularly meaningful as he grew up an Eagles fan in New Jersey and had his family present for the game. Pickett played well, completing 10 of 15 passes for 143 yards and scoring a rushing touchdown before an injury forced his exit. Despite sore ribs, he was eager for the opportunity and helped the Eagles build a 24-7 lead by the time of his departure. McKee seamlessly took over, capping the victory with touchdowns to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and the Eagles’ defense shined with key turnovers that stifled the Cowboys.

Eagles Dominate Cowboys 41-7 to Clinch NFC East as Barkley Nears NFL Rushing Record
Eagles Dominate Cowboys 41-7 to Clinch NFC East as Barkley Nears NFL Rushing Record

Saquon Barkley’s achievement marked a historic milestone, setting a new NFL record for rushing yards in a player’s first season with a new team. His 31 carries included a 23-yard run that pushed him over 2,000 yards, solidifying his impact since signing a three-year, $26 million deal with the Eagles. With a playoff berth secured, the team may choose to rest Barkley in the season finale to avoid injury. Meanwhile, questions loom over Pickett’s availability after his injury, potentially thrusting McKee into a starting role.

The Eagles’ defense played a pivotal role in the win, with safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson returning an interception for a touchdown and collecting a second pick that set up another score. Cooper Rush struggled for the Cowboys, throwing two interceptions and managing only one touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert. The Eagles’ defensive dominance, combined with offensive precision, delighted the home crowd and underscored the team’s readiness for the playoffs.

Looking ahead, the Eagles will face the New York Giants in a largely inconsequential regular-season finale, likely prioritizing rest and health ahead of the postseason. The Cowboys, dealing with injuries to key players like CeeDee Lamb and Donovan Wilson, will host Washington in their season finale. The Eagles’ convincing victory showcased their depth and resilience, setting a strong foundation for a promising playoff run.

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NFL (American Football)

Saquon Barkley Performance Against Rams, Running Back Record Was The Career-Best For Him

Saquon Barkley (Photo: NFL)

The NFL’s twelfth week is nearing its end, with just one game remaining, but it has already delivered incredible performances and unexpected outcomes.

Saquon Barkley’s sensational performance on Sunday night against the Rams stood out as one of the most memorable of his career.

The Eagles’ seventh-year running back racked up a career-high 255 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and 47 receiving yards.

This total of 300 scrimmage yards is a first in Eagles history, breaking the franchise’s single-game rushing record previously held by LeSean McCoy (217 yards in 2013).

Barkley also became just the ninth player in NFL history to record 255 or more rushing yards in a single game. It marked the most rushing yards in an NFL game since Jamaal Charles’ 259-yard performance in 2009.

Yet, Barkley’s extraordinary night wasn’t the only storyline of Week 12. FOX Sports Research identified ten more notable highlights. Let’s break them down:

1. Dynamic Duo in Detroit

The Lions continued their impressive season, but this week it was their running game that took center stage. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 90 yards and two touchdowns, while David Montgomery added 37 yards and another score.

Together, they have 21 combined rushing touchdowns this season. Remarkably, they are the first running back duo in NFL history to each log 10+ rushing touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

This game marked the ninth occasion where both Gibbs and Montgomery rushed for a touchdown in the same game, tying them for the third-most by a running back duo in league history.

They trail only Hugh McElhenny and Joe Perry (49ers) and Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor (Packers), who each achieved the feat ten times. Removing position labels, their ten games rank as the sixth-most among all scoring duos.

Takeaway: The Lions remain dominant and could be the best team in the NFL. Can anyone halt their momentum?

2. Tua Tagovailoa’s Mastery Over the Patriots

Tua Tagovailoa’s perfect record against the Patriots continues. After leading the Dolphins to a 34-15 win, he now holds a 7-0 record against New England, the second-best mark for any quarterback in NFL history against the franchise, behind John Elway’s 10-0 record.

Tagovailoa has thrown 11 career touchdown passes against the Patriots—more than against any other opponent.

Leading the league in completion percentage at 73.3%, he has propelled the Dolphins to three consecutive wins, with a favorable schedule ahead.

Takeaway: Miami is building momentum, keeping their Wild Card hopes alive.

3. Cowboys-Commanders Chaos

A thrilling contest saw the Cowboys edge the Commanders 34-26 in a game packed with excitement. After leading 20-9 in the third quarter, the Cowboys conceded a touchdown and two-point conversion, bringing the score to 20-17.

KaVontae Turpin then returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, only for the Commanders to respond with a field goal and an 86-yard touchdown bomb to Terry McLaurin.

Washington’s Austin Seibert missed the PAT, forcing an onside kick that the Cowboys returned for a game-sealing touchdown.

This chaotic game featured two missed PATs, two kickoff return touchdowns, and a blocked punt—the first such occurrence in the Super Bowl era.

Takeaway: Washington’s loss clears the path for Philadelphia to take control of the NFC East.

4. Titans Stun Texans in a Wild Finish

The Titans pulled off a surprising 32-27 victory against the Texans despite Houston’s defensive dominance, which included eight sacks, three takeaways, and a pick-six.

Teams achieving these defensive milestones were previously 36-1 in the Super Bowl era—now, they’re 36-2.

Titans quarterback Will Levis has been resilient, posting a 109.3 passer rating across his last three games despite being sacked 20 times.

He’s the first quarterback since the 1970 merger to maintain a 105+ passer rating over a three-game span while being sacked so frequently.

Takeaway: Houston has underwhelmed this season. C.J. Stroud must step up to secure a playoff spot.

Saquon Barkley (Photo: Getty Images)

5. Trey McBride Shines for Cardinals

Trey McBride delivered a career-best performance with 12 catches for 133 yards against the Seahawks, setting a Cardinals record for receptions by a tight end in a single game. His 685 receiving yards this season trail only Brock Bowers among tight ends.

McBride is now one of just two Cardinals tight ends with multiple 130-yard games, joining Hall of Famer Jackie Smith.

Takeaway: McBride has cemented himself as a top-three tight end in the league.

6. Chiefs’ Close Call Secures Historic Feat

The Chiefs narrowly escaped with a 30-27 win over the Panthers, improving to 10-1. Kansas City has now recorded ten wins in ten consecutive seasons, joining the Patriots (17 seasons, 2003-2019) and 49ers (16 seasons, 1983-1998) as the only teams in NFL history to achieve this feat.

Takeaway: Despite their record, doubts remain about the Chiefs’ dominance.

7. Bo Nix Leads Broncos to Historic Win

Bo Nix guided the Broncos to their first road victory over the Raiders since 2015. Nix passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns, breaking Denver’s single-season rookie passing touchdown record (16).

He also matched Dak Prescott’s rookie record of four games with a 70% completion rate, two passing touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Takeaway: Nix is showing franchise quarterback potential for Denver.

8. Buccaneers Dominate on the Ground

Tampa Bay cruised to a 30-7 victory over the Giants, fueled by four rushing touchdowns from four different players—a franchise first.

Rookie Bucky Irving tallied 87 rushing yards, 64 receiving yards, and a touchdown, joining Doug Martin as the only Buccaneers rookies to hit those marks in a single game.

Takeaway: Tampa remains in contention for a division title and playoff spot.

9. Browns’ Big Thursday Upset

Cleveland snapped Pittsburgh’s five-game win streak with a shocking victory, having previously ended Baltimore’s five-game win streak earlier this season.

They’re the only sub-.500 team in NFL history to accomplish this feat against two divisional opponents in the same season.

Takeaway: The Browns’ win keeps the AFC North race intriguing.

10. Giants’ Home Struggles Continue

In a 30-7 loss to Tampa Bay, the Giants dropped their sixth consecutive home game, one shy of the franchise’s single-season record for consecutive home losses (7).

From record-breaking performances to historic milestones, Week 12 showcased why the NFL remains unpredictable and thrilling.

Categories
MLB (Baseball) NFL (American Football)

Saquon Barkley is the NFL’s equivalent of Shohei Ohtani

Saquon Barkley reacts in the 2nd half

Saquon Barkley has become the Shohei Ohtani of the NFL.

Right now, there is no one better at making big plays in football than Barkley.

In a 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, Barkley had two touchdown runs of 72 and 70 yards for the Philadelphia Eagles. He now has five runs of more than 50 yards this season and is on track to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984.

Barkley’s historic game against the Rams, where he gained 255 yards, set a team record and captured the attention of fans nationwide. His performance has made him a top contender for the AP NFL MVP award.

However, he isn’t the favorite to win it.

Josh Allen has the best odds at plus-150, according to Bet MGM Sportsbook. Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson is next at plus-250, followed by Barkley at plus-400.

Running backs have won the MVP 18 times, including three-time winner Jim Brown, who was the first NFL MVP in 1957. Quarterbacks have dominated the award, winning it 45 times. Only three players who weren’t quarterbacks or running backs have won MVP.

It takes an extraordinary season for a non-quarterback to win the award, mainly because the offense usually revolves around the quarterback.

Quarterbacks handle the ball on every offensive snap, run the offense, and get the credit when the team does well and the blame when it doesn’t.

Shohei Ohtani celebrates after winning

The most recent non-quarterback to win MVP was Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings in 2012.

Being on a winning team also plays a big role in winning MVP.

Nine of the past 11 MVP winners played for a No. 1 seed, with the other two winners on a No. 2 seed. The Vikings were the sixth seed when Peterson won MVP.

Barkley is a key reason why the Eagles (9-2) are leading the NFC East and are just one game behind Detroit (10-1) for the best record in the conference.

Does Barkley have a real chance of winning MVP?

In the strike-shortened 1982 season, kicker Mark Moseley won MVP after making 20 of 21 field goals and 16 of 19 extra points in just nine games for Washington.

If a kicker can win MVP, then any player has a chance, especially someone like Barkley who can change the game.

Defensive tackle Alan Page won MVP in 1971, and linebacker Lawrence Taylor won in 1986.

Running back Christian McCaffrey finished third in MVP voting last year, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson was fifth in 2022.

The Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) and Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) awards highlight the top players on both sides of the ball, giving voters the chance to recognize non-quarterbacks if they choose.

Wide receivers and running backs have won the AP OPOY award seven times in the last 11 years. McCaffrey was the winner in 2023.

The AP’s new voting format, introduced in 2022, also gives non-quarterbacks a better chance at receiving MVP recognition.

Voters now submit their top five picks for each award using a weighted point system. Before, voters would only make one choice per award.

A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL votes for MVP and seven other awards. These awards are based on regular-season performance.

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Saquon Barkley solidifies the Eagles’ status as a true Super Bowl contender

Saquon Barkley reacts in the 2nd half

Saquon Barkley ran for two touchdowns of 70 and 72 yards, making a significant mark in the Eagles’ franchise record book.

Could these performances also lead him to an MVP award or help the Eagles reach the Super Bowl?

The Eagles (9-2) have won seven games in a row since their bye week, including a 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. They are now just one game behind Detroit for the best record in the NFC. According to BetMGM Sportsbook, only the Lions, Chiefs, and Bills have better odds to win the Super Bowl. Coach Nick Sirianni has Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts playing at their best as the season heads into the final stretch.

Barkley has become a strong contender for the MVP award and is quickly becoming one of the greatest free-agent signings in Eagles history with his impressive season.

Consider the following:

— Barkley finished the game with a career-high 255 rushing yards on 26 carries and two rushing touchdowns.
— His 255 rushing yards set the Eagles’ single-game rushing record, surpassing LeSean McCoy’s 217 yards in 2013 against Detroit.
— Barkley’s 255 yards are the ninth-best single-game rushing performance in NFL history, behind names like Adrian Peterson (296 yards in 2007) and O.J. Simpson (273 yards in 1976).

Saquon Barkley reacts after running for a touchdown in the 2nd half

— This marked his seventh game with over 100 rushing yards this season, the most in the NFL in 2024, tying his career high (2018 with the New York Giants).
— His seven 100-yard games are tied for the second-most in Eagles’ single-season history, only trailing Wilbert Montgomery’s eight in 1981.

“He just added a new dimension for us,” Hurts said.

Barkley also became the first NFL player to have two 70-yard touchdown runs in a single game since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2009.

For the Giants, losing both QB Daniel Jones and Barkley has led to a disappointing season with no wins to show for it.

“I didn’t know I would have this much success, (but) I’m thankful to be here,” Barkley said. “I’m thankful for the fresh start. A big reason why I wanted to come here is I felt like this is a spot where I could rewrite my story and show everyone the type of player that I feel like I can be and was meant to be, and it’s working out right now.”

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NFL (American Football)

The LA Rams’ heavy defeat to the Eagles highlights that they are not close to being title contenders

Brandon Graham sacks Matthew Stafford in the 1st half

Before Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles came to town, the Los Angeles Rams had gained some confidence with four wins in their past five games.

However, all the progress they made, especially with their young defense, was quickly undone when Barkley rushed for 255 yards and scored two long touchdowns in the Eagles’ 37-20 blowout win on Sunday night.

The Rams (5-6) allowed the largest performance by an opposing running back in the history of the franchise, which started in 1936. This loss showed just how far they are from being serious title contenders.

Coach Sean McVay didn’t have much to say that wasn’t obvious after his defense gave up 481 yards to the 9-2 Eagles. The Eagles are a team that has veteran leadership and depth, which the Rams had three years ago during their championship run but haven’t been able to rebuild since then.

“There’s humbling nights like this in football,” McVay said. “It’s all about how you respond. I do know that this team has the capability to be able to respond, and we’ll get ourselves up off the mat and we’ll have a good week of preparation this week.”

The Rams would do well to keep in mind that playoff contention is still very possible in the weak NFC West, where Los Angeles is only one game behind first place.

Sean Mcvay in the news conference

However, everything McVay wants for his team is still a long way from being achieved, despite a few solid wins in the last six weeks.

Not much went right against the Eagles, who seemed to have an answer for almost everything the Rams tried on both offense and defense. Los Angeles’ offense had some good drives, but the Rams’ defense allowed points in every quarter.

“You’ve got to look at the tape of this one (and) figure out where to go from there, as far as what you did wrong,” Matthew Stafford said after throwing two touchdown passes. “How can you correct those things? Not going to let these guys beat us twice. This is the NFL. You play the game long enough, you’re going to have unfortunate nights. You’re going to have nights where you don’t play as good as you possibly can. You don’t ever want them to get out of hand like they did, but you’ve got to move on.”

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NFL (American Football)

New York Giants Provide Reassurance to Saquon Barkley: They Have No Intentions of Trading Him

Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley (Credits: Sky Sports)

In the previous week, Saquon Barkley addressed rumors of a potential trade and reiterated his desire to remain a loyal member of the New York Giants. His consistent stance has been to express his aspiration to be a “Giant for life.”

A day following his statement, Coach Brian Daboll and General Manager Joe Schoen took the opportunity to approach Barkley before the commencement of practice. During this conversation, Daboll assured Barkley that a trade was not in the cards, as reported by Jordan Raanan of ESPN.

The New York Giants currently find themselves with a record of 2-5 and might consider making moves ahead of the approaching trade deadline on Tuesday. However, the outlook for Barkley’s trade prospects remains uncertain due to various factors, including his high salary and impending free agency in 2024. The Giants would likely receive limited returns if any team expressed interest.

Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley (Credits: Big Blue View)

Reflecting on his conversation with Daboll and Schoen, Barkley revealed, “I don’t think it made me feel any better or any worse. It wasn’t like I was overly concerned about it, to be honest. I never even thought about it until the question was brought up. I didn’t even realize when the trade deadline was.”

Notably, Barkley is currently playing under an adjusted franchise tag that comprises a $2 million signing bonus and $1 million in challenging-to-achieve incentives, in contrast to the standard franchise tag, which stood at $10.1 million. Negotiations between the two sides may be revisited after the season concludes, with the possibility of securing a long-term deal. Barkley remains hopeful that they can come to an agreement to keep him as a part of the team.

Expressing his aspirations, Barkley stated, “I want to create a legacy, and the way you do that is by continuing to stay with a team throughout your whole career. As I observe the NFL and understand the business, it’s less likely for that to happen for players. But if you’re able to accomplish that, it’s special.”