PHILADELPHIA – With about five minutes left in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s NFC divisional-round matchup, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and safety Reed Blankenship sat on the bench, hoping for the offense to keep the momentum alive to secure the snowy game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Saquon Barkley may not have directly assisted in that objective, yet he played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ 28-22 victory, which sets them up for a clash next Sunday against the Washington Commanders in the NFC championship game.

“He scored in one play,” Rodgers told YSL News Sports. “I glanced at Reed, he looked back at me, and it was just like, ‘All right, let’s go finish the game.’”

Barkley’s impressive 78-yard touchdown run, marking his second significant score of the game, granted the Eagles a crucial two-possession lead. As he sprinted past the Rams’ defense, the only indicators of his presence were the footprints he left in the snow.

Shortly afterwards, Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense came within 18 yards of levelling the game. However, Barkley’s explosive play—and his standout performance: 205 rushing yards on 26 carries—created enough distance, playing a vital role in the Eagles hosting the NFC championship game for the second time in three years.

“Whether it’s on a grand stage or just Saturday in the parking lot, it doesn’t matter,” Barkley, who never ventured this deep in the playoffs over six seasons with the New York Giants, remarked. “I just want to make plays for the team.”

Barkley mentioned looking up the Eagles’ single-game playoff rushing record held by Steve Van Buren, which stood at 196 yards, because he aims for greatness. Now, the Penn State alum holds the new record for the team.

“You want to leave a legacy, and I wish to have those kinds of performances,” he stated. “Just visualizing and wondering what the numbers are, it’s amusing how it turned out.”

Barkley now boasts a total of 2,329 rushing yards including the playoffs and is nearing another record – most rushing yards in a single season, with Terrell Davis’ remarkable seasons in 1997 (2,331 yards) and 1998 (2,476 yards) in sight.

He noted that the wet conditions were not as daunting as he anticipated.

“It was more like hail than snow, to be honest,” he explained.

It certainly didn’t hinder his performance. In the first quarter, Barkley executed a 62-yard touchdown run, which included some playful taunting towards Rams rookie defensive lineman Jared Verse, who certainly earned some banter.

Barkley chose to keep the details of their exchange private.

“Nah, I didn’t say much. I got in trouble for talking,” Barkley joked, likening it to being summoned to the principal’s office.

In two matchups against the Rams this season, Barkley accumulated 460 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Despite being modest, the first-team All-Pro running back acknowledged the contributions of his offensive line and the defense.

Right guard Mekhi Becton, who powered through Rams linebacker Carter Rozeboom on Barkley’s first touchdown run, said Barkley’s performance has been consistent throughout the season.

“He’s a beast,” Becton stated. “We’ve known this since his New York days. He’s a beast. It’s always rewarding when you’re blocking, and you see 2-6 flying past you.

“Whenever we hand him the ball, it adds an extra boost. If we can just give him a tiny bit of space and hold our blocks a bit longer, he’ll make a play.”

Quarterback Jalen Hurts had the initial momentum-shifting run of the game with a 44-yard touchdown play on the opening drive.

“Saquon needed a breather, so I told him I’d take the first one,” Hurts joked after the game. “Just let me have a piece.”

Becton expressed his enjoyment of playing in the snow, saying it levels the field for everyone, making technique critical. He observed a noticeable shift in the Rams’ approach as they adjusted their lineup; left tackle Jordan Mailata noticed how they frequently stacked the box.

“It’s pretty fantastic to have Saquon here, along with Jalen, who’s impressive in his running too. They must be wary of that,” Mailata said, describing the three long touchdown runs as “very satisfying.”

Regardless of the weather, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni emphasized the privilege of having Barkley, who signed a three-year deal last offseason and rushed for 2,005 yards over the season.

“That’s for sure,” Sirianni said. “I truly admire him. I can’t express enough positive things about him, the leadership he provides, and everything he contributes to our team. He’s exceptional.”

Hurts performed well, completing 15 of 20 passes for just 128 yards.

Wide receiver A.J. Brown expressed relief over the effectiveness of the running game, knowing that a single play could swing the outcome. The receivers focus on their blocking, and they quickly realize Barkley can “explode” down the field.

“We just have to complete the play,” Brown said. “He has the ability to hit home runs. I’m thrilled he’s part of our team.”

Fellow wide receiver DeVonta Smith’s initial response about Barkley included an expletive, followed by, “He’s the best out there.”

Eagles left guard Landon Dickerson had previously observed Barkley compete twice a year during his time with the Giants. Nevertheless, during Barkley’s first week with the Eagles—before even donning pads—Dickerson sensed how exceptional he could be running behind what many consider the league’s top offensive line.

“I was like, ‘Oh, wow,’ this guy’s genuinely the real deal,” Dickerson reflected.

There’s a noticeable distinction between merely watching Barkley’s abilities and experiencing them up close. Dickerson provided a clever analogy.

“It’s similar to attending a UFC fight. You can watch it, but stepping into the ring and getting punched makes it real,” Dickerson described. “In a way, it’s a negative comparison. However, once you experience it firsthand, it’s undeniable.”

Like his fellow linemen, Dickerson takes immense pride in the electrifying plays generated on the ground.

“It’s always fulfilling to see any of those guys making significant strides down the field,” he noted. “Such explosive plays can drastically alter the game’s momentum.

“(Barkley possesses) a unique X-factor; in any game or circumstance, he can break free at any moment. With just a sliver of opportunity, he doesn’t require much. When he finds it, it’s a game-changer.”

Now, Barkley has propelled the Eagles—and himself—within just one game of the Super Bowl.

“His dedication and character, both as a football player and an individual off the field, he deserves all the success that comes his way,” Dickerson affirmed. “It’s a privilege to block for someone like him, who enhances our performance.

“I’m delighted that he’s finally experiencing this, as he truly deserves it.”