Philadelphia’s dynamic offense and timely defense secure a record-setting NFC Championship victory.
Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles are heading back to the Super Bowl after a big 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship game. Barkley electrified the field from the start, breaking free for a 60-yard touchdown on his first touch and finishing the game with 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Jalen Hurts delivered a stellar performance, rushing for three touchdowns and passing for 246 yards as the Eagles dominated from start to finish.
The Eagles’ offensive set a new record for the most points scored in a conference championship game, showcasing the team’s incredible turnaround from a rocky 2-2 start to the season. “This was a team win,” Hurts said after the game. “We’ve worked hard to get here, and now we’re one step away from accomplishing our ultimate goal.”
Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 255 yards and two total touchdowns, but the Commanders were undone by costly mistakes. Four turnovers, including two critical fumbles in the first half, handed the Eagles short fields and easy scoring opportunities. On Washington’s opening kickoff return, receiver Dyami Brown had the ball stripped by Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, leading to Barkley’s second touchdown and an early 14-3 Eagles lead. Later in the second quarter, another fumble by Jeremy McNichols and a penalty for unnecessary roughness on cornerback Mike Sainristil helped set up a touchdown pass from Hurts to A.J. Brown, sending Philadelphia into halftime with a 27-15 advantage.
The Eagles took full advantage of another fumble by Washington’s Austin Ekeler late in the third quarter. Hurts punched in a touchdown on a Tush Push, extending the lead to 41-23. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s defense, while allowing some yardage, made critical plays to keep Washington from mounting any serious comeback. Barkley capped off the rout with his third touchdown of the game, followed by a late score from Will Shipley that allowed Eagles fans to start celebrating early.
Philadelphia’s victory sends them back to the Super Bowl for the first time since their heart-breaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs two years ago. With one Lombardi Trophy already in their history, the Eagles now have a chance to add another after months of speculation about whether this team had what it took to contend.
