PHILADELPHIA (AP) — After consulting with his family, star running back Saquon Barkley made the pivotal decision to leave the New York Giants and join the Philadelphia Eagles. His youngest daughter, Jada, asked one crucial question: "Does this mean dad will win now?" As Barkley celebrated on the field with confetti raining down, the answer was clear — the Eagles are primed for victory, having secured a spot in the Super Bowl.
Barkley made an explosive debut with a 60-yard touchdown on Philadelphia's first play and concluded the game with 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Jalen Hurts also had a standout performance, rushing for three touchdowns as the Eagles convincingly defeated the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the NFC Championship Game held at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025.
This Super Bowl appearance marks Hurts and the Eagles' second in three seasons, with the team preparing to face the Kansas City Chiefs, coached by former Eagles coach Andy Reid. Barkley expressed his excitement about being part of such a momentous occasion, stating, "I came to Philly to be part of games like this, and there’s nothing better than a game where you can advance to the Super Bowl."
The Eagles' remarkable scoring of 55 points is the highest recorded in a conference championship game since the NFL's 1970 merger. Hurts, who played while managing a knee brace, added 246 passing yards and a touchdown to his performance, inspiring a raucous crowd that included notable celebrities such as actor Bradley Cooper.
Head Coach Nick Sirianni praised Hurts, emphasizing his winning mentality and resilience amid criticism, stating, "I don’t want anybody else leading this team at quarterback other than him. He’s a winner." Wide receiver A.J. Brown also contributed significantly with six receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown, further energizing the already spirited crowd.
The Commanders, having made their way to the NFC title game with two consecutive road victories, struggled against the dominant Eagles. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 255 yards but was hindered by four turnovers, one of which was a fumble by running back Austin Ekeler that came at a crucial moment in the third quarter.
Despite the loss, Daniels maintained that he believed in his team's capabilities, treating the game like any other. He remarked, "We believed that we belonged here. It was just another game for me." The Eagles capitalized on early momentum as Barkley set the game tone with his impressive first-play touchdown run.
The Eagles showcased their offensive prowess from the onset, recovering a fumble early in the game and pushing their lead to 14-3 with another short touchdown run by Barkley. With this performance, he set an NFL record for the most rushing touchdowns of over 60 yards in a season, bringing the total to seven during the playoffs. Barkley commented on the importance of early momentum, stating, "When he does it early, it doesn’t really matter who gets the party started, just for us to gain some momentum as an offense and gain a rhythm."
Hurts continued to deliver a strong performance, including a "tush push" touchdown run that solidified the Eagles' lead in the fourth quarter. His ability to take command of the game, especially while dealing with a knee injury, demonstrated his commitment and skill as a top-tier quarterback.
The conclusion of the game saw the Eagles secure their fifth trip to the Super Bowl amid jubilant celebrations from their fans. By the time the final whistle blew, the Eagles had established a commanding 55-23 lead, leading to chants of "E-A-G-L-E-S! Eagles!" resonating throughout Philadelphia.
Injury updates for the Eagles included Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens, who played through a back injury, while guard Landon Dickerson was evaluated for a knee injury. The Eagles now prepare for their upcoming Super Bowl matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9, 2025, a significant date as it coincides with Barkley’s 28th birthday.
