Saquon Barkley delivered a historic performance on Sunday Night Football in Week 12, rushing for a career-best and franchise-record 255 yards while scoring two touchdowns. His efforts powered the Philadelphia Eagles (9-2) to a dominant 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams (5-6).
The win strengthens the Eagles’ standing as the NFC’s second-best team and heightens the intensity of the NFC West playoff race.
Kyren Williams (16 carries, 72 yards, TD) fumbled on the Rams’ opening drive but redeemed himself on the next possession with a touchdown.
The Eagles initially struggled to convert in the red zone, settling for 21- and 31-yard field goals by Jake Elliott. That changed after the two-minute warning in the second quarter when Jalen Hurts (15/22, 179 yards, TD) connected with A.J. Brown for a touchdown. The play was initially ruled an incomplete pass but was overturned after an official review.
Barkley scores twice on runs of 70+ yards
Barkley kicked off the third quarter with an impressive 70-yard touchdown run. He found a seam between the center and right guard, took advantage of a crucial block from Britain Covey, and raced into the end zone. NFL’s Next Gen Stats revealed that the former Penn State star reached a top speed of 21.38 miles per hour on a play that was originally expected to gain only four yards.
The Rams answered with a touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford (24/36, 243 yards, 2 TDs) to Demarcus Robinson, but the Eagles maintained control on the ground. Kenneth Gainwell added to the scoring with a 13-yard touchdown run.
Rams head coach Sean McVay opted for a 47-yard field goal attempt by Jake Karty, but the kick missed wide right. The Eagles capitalized, with Jake Elliott extending their lead by hitting a 26-yard field goal.
As Philadelphia worked to wind down the clock, Barkley broke free through a massive opening in the line for a 72-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 37-14 after the extra point. The Rams managed a late touchdown, with Stafford finding Cooper Kupp in the end zone, but a failed two-point conversion and an unsuccessful onside kick sealed the game.
