Eagles defeat Rams in an instant classic: Highlights and reactions

Were you scared? With the Eagles clinging to a six-point lead? With the Rams driving down the field for what would have been their second touchdown in the final 2:48 of the game? 

Were you recalculating what the score would be if Jake Elliott didn't miss two extra points?

Jalen Carter saved the day.

JALEN CARTER SACK!

📺: #LARvsPHI on NBC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/xbICRDUTHw

— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2025

Jalen Carter played 68 of 70 defensive snaps and was double-teamed on 26 of his 49 pass rushes against the Rams.

Carter forced a key third down sack on the Rams’ final drive, then forced a pressure on fourth down to clinch the game.#LARvsPHI | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/ZitGdVZjvr

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) January 19, 2025

This was all after a Saquon Barkley run that, for a hot second, looked like it put a bow on the game. After torching the Rams for 255 rushing yards earlier this season, Barkley dropped another 205 yards on them in the snow.

You've been Snoquon Barkley'd ™️ ❄️@saquon | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/SBV0ltUG5j

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 19, 2025

Saquon Barkley for president of the universe #MVP #FlyEaglesFly @Eagles @saquon

— Rob McElhenney (@RMcElhenney) January 19, 2025

Saquon Barkley SHOWED OFF his vision, patience, balance and HOME RUN HITTING ABILITY all in one 78 yard TD run. This brother has been SENSATIONAL for the @Eagles pic.twitter.com/iew8z1VKd4

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 19, 2025

The Giants owe us all an apology for wasting the first six years of Saquon Barkley.

— Jon “Stugotz” Weiner (@stugotz790) January 19, 2025

Saquon Barkley is the first player in NFL HISTORY to have four 60+ yard rushing TDs against one team.

Oh and it’s not just in one season, it’s ever. He did it in just 2 games. pic.twitter.com/qWR834mXDZ

— IcyVert (@IcyVert) January 20, 2025

Other heroes? Well, there's Elliott, sort of. While he missed the aforementioned extra point kicks, he made all three of his field goal attempts and is still perfect on FG attempts in his playoff career (22/22).

Eagles FG team cleaning off a spot for Jake Elliott to kick while they review the TD. pic.twitter.com/jLsFg86KRK

— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) January 19, 2025

Jake Elliott puts it through to give the @Eagles the lead.

📺: #LARvsPHI on NBC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/ga8Clilj9b

— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2025

Jake Elliott pic.twitter.com/bESeZyIel2

— “Sports fan Mark Kremer” (@mark_kremer) January 19, 2025

Lane Johnson and the Eagles O-line held strong against Jalen Verse, the talkative Defensive Rookie of the Year.

“I hate Eagles fans. They’re so annoying. I hate Eagles fans. When I see that green and white, I hate it. I actually get upset. I actually genuinely get hot.”

-Rams Jared Verse on Eagles fans pic.twitter.com/X8WhnSCfxZ

— On Pattison (@OnPattison) January 17, 2025

Jalen Carter, clearly not a fan of Jared Verse’s pregame antics, approaches Verse.

Offered to put his Championship game bonus the line, Verse declined. pic.twitter.com/Ao8bbte0nV

— Jake Rabadi (@JakeRabadiNFL) January 19, 2025

Best verse: E-A-G-L-E-S 🦅

With the best fans in sports!

NFC Championship 🔜 pic.twitter.com/zwRUYOW9ta

— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) January 20, 2025

Verse played extremely well, to be fair.

Rams might’ve lost but Jared Verse deserves endless praise for his performance:

- 5 Pressures
- 4 Tackles
- 3 TFL
- 2 Sacks
- 2 QB Hits

Superstar talent. pic.twitter.com/f2zTMB7ZQX

— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) January 19, 2025

#Eagles DT Jalen Carter on pregame chatter with Jared Verse, said he told him, “You know that’s motivation to us.” Added, “It’s still cool. I love his game. He’s a baller.”

DT Moro Ojomo to the left of the frame then laughed and said, “You’re too nice.” https://t.co/yyVjf4Wcb9 pic.twitter.com/DjJNLsXCj4

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 19, 2025

Concerns abound for the Eagles moving forward. A blazing hot Washington Commanders team visits Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday for the NFC Championship Game. Jalen Hurts left the game briefly after an injury to his leg and didn't look very mobile when he returned. Sensational rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell exited with a shoulder injury and never re-entered.

Patrick mahomes would’ve got a roughing the passer call and a hot chocolate break from the refs if this was him and not Jalen hurts pic.twitter.com/MUISbfSUtr

— John (@iam_johnw) January 19, 2025

But no team is unscathed at this point in the year. We already knew the Birds had the talent to get past Washington and maybe win it all. And in Sunday's gritty win, they showed us they just might have the heart as well.

PLAY MY THEME MUSIC 🦅🔥 pic.twitter.com/5GooF8v0Oa

— MILLION $ WORTH OF GAME (@mworthofgame) January 20, 2025

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