Bleeding Green Nation
Highlight performances from the NFC Championship Game.
The Philadelphia Eagles are through to the Super Bowl after beating the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game!
This was domination.
The Birds set a new NFL record for points scored in a conference title game with 55.
With a failed two-point conversion and a missed field goal, the Eagles weren’t too far off from dropping a 60-burger on a division rival.
Before we fully turn our attention to the Eagles’ rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s time to hand out some winners, losers, and IDKs from a special night at Lincoln Financial Field.
For even more analysis, check out my appearance on The Ringer’s Philly Special postgame podcast with Sheil Kapadia:
Hurts saved his best game of the season for his biggest game of the season to this point.
The numbers: 20/28 (71.4% completion), 246 yards (8.8 yards per attempt), 1 TD, 0 INT, 110.1 passer rating ... 10 carries, 16 rushing yards, 3 TD.
Hurts largely excelled as a pocket passer; he completed 18 of 20 pocket passes for 216 yards and his sole passing touchdown.
He was accurate. He was decisive. He was clutch.
On that last point, Hurts excelled in high-leverage situations. 4th-and-5 go ball to A.J. Brown, right on the money. 3rd-and-13 scramble with pressure bearing down on him, he got the ball to DeVonta Smith for a touchdown that was dropped but the Commanders got flagged for defensive pass interference in the end zone anyway.
During his postgame press conference, Hurts talked about how Nick Sirianni “let me out of my straitjacket a little bit today.” It was pretty refreshing to see such an effective passing game. The results in this regard underscore why it’s been such a big talking point this season. Because when the Eagles can finally get their aerial attack clicking, the offense looks incredibly dominant! Totally raises their ceiling.
Considering how he shined in his last Super Bowl start, there’s every reason to believe Hurts is capable of another big-time performance. The moment clearly isn’t too big for him.
With Sunday’s win, Hurts joined Hall of Fame company.
Barkley had the perfect answer for Washington’s 18-play, 54-yard opening field goal drive.
He simply took it 60 yards to the house on the Eagles’ first offensive play.
Talk about a tone-setter.
All told, Barkley’s 15 carries went for 118 yards (7.9 average) and three touchdowns. He had a fourth rushing touchdown get vultured by the Brotherly Shove.
With one game left to play, Barkley is just 30 yards away from the most productive rushing season in NFL history.
He won’t win regular season MVP but Super Bowl MVP is very much on the table.
That result would be pretty fitting since he’s been the main character of the 2024 NFL season.
The Eagles’ head coach played a huge role in this game’s inflection point.
Facing a 4th-and-5 from the plus...
