The Eagles secured a hard-fought victory over the Rams, showcasing their defense while their offense struggled to find rhythm
PHILADELPHIA: The Eagles locker room was buzzing with relief after their win. Left tackle Jordan Mailata couldn’t help but express gratitude for the defense. “Thank God for our defense,” he said, highlighting their crucial role in the victory.
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how the defense was key to their celebration. Even running back Saquon Barkley, who had an impressive game, acknowledged the defense’s impact. “Man, our defense is special,” he said, noting they need to improve on offense.
Despite the win, there was a sense of concern about the Eagles’ offense. They had just clinched their 16th victory of the season, but the performance left some questions. They’ll face the Washington Commanders next in the NFC championship game after beating the Rams 28-22.
The Eagles scored 28 points in a game that was a mix of snow and sleet. Their defense managed to create pressure, forcing three turnovers in the second half, which was impressive given the slippery conditions.
It wasn’t a flawless game for the Eagles. They had some explosive plays, including three long touchdown runs, but the offense struggled at times. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a cornerback for the Eagles, pointed out that they need to show their top-ranked defense in every game.
As the game progressed, the Eagles felt the pressure of their own performance. They were thrilled to be back in the conference title game but knew they had to address their offensive issues. Quarterback Jalen Hurts said, “There’s always a hunger. There’s always a drive for more.”
In the first quarter, Hurts made a great play, faking a handoff and running for a 44-yard touchdown. That set the tone, but the offense hit a lull for a while. The weather made things tricky, with players struggling to keep their footing.
Josh Sweat, an Eagles pass rusher, described the field conditions as tough. “It was ass,” he said, noting how slippery it was. But no one used the weather as an excuse; they knew the Rams faced the same challenges.
Despite the struggles, the Eagles managed to adapt. They changed their cleats at halftime and focused on winning the turnover battle. Barkley’s 78-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter was crucial, especially after Hurts had to deal with a knee issue.
Mailata admitted they didn’t play to their usual standard, but they did what they needed to win. The defense stepped up big time, and cornerback Darius Slay noted how the team supports each other when one side isn’t performing at its best.
As they look ahead, the Eagles know they’ll need another strong defensive effort against the Commanders and their rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels. They’re hoping for a healthier offense and a better performance overall.
Even though they haven’t been firing on all cylinders, the Eagles see it as a strength. They believe their ability to adapt will help them in the upcoming games. Coach Sirianni encourages his players to embrace challenges, and it seems they’re ready to do just that.
“Resiliency is our specialty,” Baun said, capturing the team’s spirit perfectly.