PHILADELPHIA — Throughout the season, the Philadelphia Eagles emphasized that last year’s disappointing end was behind them. Their recent victory proves it.
The Eagles are headed to the Super Bowl for the second time in three years, thanks to their 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders in the NFC championship game. This game saw Philadelphia score a record-breaking seven rushing touchdowns.
A significant factor was the addition of running back Saquon Barkley, who scored three touchdowns and gained 118 rushing yards on 15 carries.
The Eagles initially trailed 3-0 but quickly turned the game around. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who also scored three rushing touchdowns, executed a play that led Barkley to a 60-yard touchdown, making the score 7-3.
Barkley has achieved seven touchdowns of over 60 yards this season, with three in these playoffs.
During the Commanders’ next possession, Defensive Player of the Year finalist Zack Baun forced a fumble, which Eagles safety Reed Blankenship recovered.
Barkley scored his second touchdown within two minutes, extending the lead with 3:43 left in the first quarter.
Though the Commanders closed the gap to 11 points in the third quarter, their errors cost them the game. Running back Austin Ekeler’s fumble, their third turnover, gave the Eagles another scoring opportunity.
The Eagles increased their lead to 41-23 with 12:24 remaining, using their signature “tush push” play.
From the outset, the Eagles’ defense pressured Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, sacking him three times.
The Eagles capitalized on a short field position to score, and Barkley’s third touchdown sealed their win. Despite two turnovers and costly penalties, Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels had a remarkable season but couldn’t lead his team to the Super Bowl.
He finished with 255 passing yards, a touchdown, an interception, and a rushing touchdown.
Jalen Hurts addressed concerns about his passing game by completing 20 of 28 passes for 246 yards and one touchdown.
A week after a knee injury, Hurts was mobile and scored a rushing touchdown to give the Eagles a 34-15 lead.
Hurts’ key targets were tight end Dallas Goedert and wide receiver A.J. Brown. Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni took a risk on fourth-and-5, resulting in a significant gain by Brown, and later a pass-interference penalty set up another touchdown for Hurts.
Hurts scored again using the “tush push,” increasing the lead to 20-12 just before halftime.
Philadelphia’s special teams forced a crucial fumble on a kickoff, leading to another touchdown and a 27-12 lead.
Washington’s Daniels managed to score before halftime, reducing the deficit to 27-15.
A successful fake punt by Washington briefly challenged the Eagles, but their defense and special teams dominated.
Rookie Will Shipley contributed with a 57-yard run and his first career touchdown, sealing Philadelphia’s victory.
