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NFL: Five Things We Learned from Rams @ Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 12: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

This game had everything. The two teams were playing for the right to host the Commanders in the NFC Championship game, and there was great offense, clutch defense, big chunk plays, weather conditions, missed kicks, and even a safety. The Eagles came away with the win at the very end, but here are key things we learned from the game: 

Jalen Hurts Taking Too Many Sacks 

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws the ball during the second half in the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Some people will point to the weather, but in the first half, there wasn’t much precipitation, and the Eagles didn’t pass the ball well. Hurts held onto the ball way too long. He took way too many sacks (7), and that’s not championship football. It has to improve. 

Matthew Stafford Is A Gamer

ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 29: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams drops back to pass during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Stafford played a helluva game and made some big throws against one of the top defenses in the NFL. He did it on the road, in freezing cold weather and a blizzard in the second half. Down 13 points late, he manufactured 2 amazing drives that gave his team a chance to win. In the end, the Eagles defense made one last big play. 

Saquon Is The Eagles Missing Piece

Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

What is there to say about Saquon Barkley that hasn’t already been said? He had a 62-yard TD and 78-yard TD in this game, and his TDs were the difference on the scoreboard, too. The entire offense runs through him, and without him, the Eagles don’t win. He finished the game with over 200 yards. 

The Rams Stars Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua Are Clutch

INGLEWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 21: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball after a catch during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

Heading into the final five minutes of the game, they had 5 catches combined for under 60 yards, but in crunch time, they made 6 catches for nearly 100 yards and set the Rams up with a chance to win at the end.  

The Eagles Can Be Run On For Chunk Yards 

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the ball during the first half of the game against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

Kyren Williams broke big runs against the Eagles top-ranked defense, picking up huge chunk yards. He had a 20+ yarder and 30+ yarder, and both led to points for the Rams. Williams had over 100 rush yards for the game. The Commanders are a good running team, so this is something to watch.