The NFC playoff game on Sunday between the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles is a rematch of their earlier regular-season encounter. On Nov. 24, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley dashed for 255 rushing yards, featuring touchdown runs of 70 and 72 yards, during Philadelphia’s 37-20 win.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for 179 yards and one touchdown in that game.
When the Eagles beat the Rams 23-14 last season, Hurts passed for 303 yards, scoring one touchdown, and rushed for 72 yards with an additional TD.
“I believe you all should realize that I compete in the game solely for the purpose of winning,” Hurts stated at a press conference this week. “My role in every game will vary, and the strategy for each game is unique.” You simply want to step out and perform your duties while seizing opportunities, clearly. I believe some aspects are exaggerated to a greater extent due to limited opportunities in specific regions. However, in the end, it’s all about winning the match. “You realize we are discussing playoff football.”
While Barkley achieved the NFL’s ninth 2,000-yard rushing season in 2024, Hurts posted 2,903 passing yards, the fewest in his four seasons as Philadelphia’s starting quarterback. However, Hurts’ passing efficiency rating was the best of his career, and the ex-Alabama quarterback still rushed for 14 touchdowns.
“He’s a great player,” Rams coach Sean McVay remarked about Hurts on Friday. “You observe it, particularly when facing them this year and last year—he’s a genuine danger capable of defeating you with both his arm and his legs.” I believe they are performing exceptionally well, and he understands how to play successful football. He’s looking after the football very well. He’s clearly a danger to take it down, whether it’s a planned run or off-schedule plays if the rush’s integrity isn’t solid. That’s the reason they are so hard to defend.
They’re as excellent as it gets up front. They are exceptionally well-trained. They possess talented playmakers in various positions, along with a quarterback capable of defeating you with both his passing and running abilities. Additionally, Saquon is showcasing some exceptional performances, even by the high standards he has established throughout his career. That’s the reason these individuals are what they are. I hold significant respect for Jalen and the competitor he embodies. “It will be a significant challenge.”
Los Angeles defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in a Wild-Card Weekend matchup on Monday night to move forward. The Rams took down Hurts once during the meeting in November.
“I believe each game is unique,” Hurts stated, “so, of course, we’ll review the tape and assess this team, and, as we mentioned, this team is different than it used to be.” We simply need to get out there and perform. …
I believe they have consistently been an excellent team, and we faced them during a strong phase, and now we are facing them while they’re strong once more. This is a youthful team guided by an excellent coach, a fantastic quarterback, and outstanding players throughout. They have an excellent defense. They’ve been quite disruptive at the front. Simply need to arrive and perform. I believe it begins in the trenches in a game like this, and we’ve managed to run the ball efficiently, so, ideally, we keep asserting our dominance up front.
The Eagles have reached the playoffs in each of the four seasons that Hurts has played as their quarterback. In both 2021 and 2023, Philadelphia was defeated in first-round matches by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2022, the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl. Philadelphia’s postseason began on Sunday with a 22-10 win against the Green Bay Packers.
The Rams and Eagles go head-to-head for a place in the NFC Championship Game at 2 p.m. CST on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field located in Philadelphia. The game will be broadcasted by NBC.
“You have these unique chances, and you surely want to make the most of them,” Hurts stated. “Clearly, we’re approaching it one day at a time, but it boils down to focusing on what matters most and making progress.” You see, when you achieve victory, you’re prevailing, you’re defeating your rival. However, enhancing is surpassing your own limits.
I consistently believe that it ultimately depends on how I learn from my moments and experiences and utilize them for the next opportunity. You aim to seize those opportunities, and I believe that’s where I stand—embracing a growth mindset and making daily progress. I believe this team is in that same position. There is no sense of complacency. There is no shortage of appetite. It’s simply about handling each day as it comes, managing one day at a time and just making it happen.
