ClutchPoints
The Philadelphia Eagles may be 2-0, but cracks are starting to show. After squeaking by in their first two games by a combined seven points, the defending Super Bowl champions are still searching for the dominant edge that defined their 2024 campaign. On Sunday, in week 3, they’ll welcome the Los Angeles Rams to Lincoln Financial Field in what could be one of the best matchups of the early season. The question is: can the Eagles’ X-factor tilt the game back in their favor?
The Rams and Eagles collide in a matchup of NFC heavyweights with postseason stakes looming in the background. For Los Angeles, it’s another opportunity to slow down Saquon Barkley after he shredded their defense a year ago. Philadelphia, meanwhile, didn’t look particularly sharp in its win over Kansas City. A return to Lincoln Financial Field, though, gives the Eagles a chance to reset. They can potentially hand the Rams their third loss in less than a year.
Still, this doesn’t feel like the same dominant Eagles team that stormed through last season. That opens the door for Sean McVay’s squad, which pushed Philadelphia to the brink in the playoffs. They have every reason to believe that they can finish the job this time. With the Eagles grinding out narrow wins and the Rams gaining momentum, this game looks like a toss-up. It is one where a single superstar performance could tip the balance.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Philadelphia Eagles’ X-factor for blockbuster Week 3 clash vs. Los Angeles Rams.
At the center of it all is Barkley. It feels strange to bill a big name like him as an X-factor, but truthfully, he hasn’t played like a big name yet. The Eagles signed him to be a difference-maker. Against Los Angeles, he’ll need to be just that.
Barkley embarrassed the Rams’ defense last season, dominating on the ground and breaking their will with explosive plays. In response, Los Angeles fortified its front with defensive tackle Poona Ford and linebacker Nate Landman. Yet, as much as the Rams tinkered with personnel, stopping Barkley is easier said than done.
The numbers tell the story. Barkley led the NFL in rushing last year with more than 2,000 yards. He averaged an eye-popping 125.3 yards per game. Yes, his start to 2025 has been slightly quieter, finishing with under 90 yards in both of his first two contests. That said, he remains the engine that makes the Eagles’ offense run. Last week, he churned out 88 yards on 22 carries against Kansas City. Not flashy, but steady. Against a Rams defense that just allowed 92 yards to Tony Pollard, Barkley is poised to deliver his breakout game of the season.
Note that Philadelphia’s offense has taken a noticeable step back under a new offensive coordinator. The passing attack isn’t humming the way it did during last...
