The Philadelphia Eagles are officially on their way back to the NFC Championship Game. After defeating the Los Angeles Rams in a matchup that, thanks to the weather and a standout performance by running back Saquon Barkley, was one of the most memorable games in postseason history. Barkley amassed a postseason franchise record in rushing yards while adding two rushing touchdowns en route to Philadelphia’s victor. But where does this all-time performance rank in the Eagles’ playoff history?
Metro has taken a look at the top five postseason performances in Philadelphia Eagles history.
5. Steve Van Buren sets a (seemingly) unbreakable mark
Newer generations of Eagles fans may not remember Steve Van Buren, but they should, as he is among the greatest running backs in franchise history. The first Eagle voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Van Buren was a key player in the Eagles’ reaching back-to-back NFL Championships in 1948 and ’49. He scored the lone touchdown in the 1948 Championship and put together an unbelievable performance in 1949.
Rushing for 196 yards and leading the Eagles to their second consecutive NFL Championship, a 14-0 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Van Buren set a franchise mark that would not be outdone for another 76 years.
4. Jalen Hurts’ standout Super Bowl performance
In his third NFL season, Jalen Hurts had elevated himself to an MVP candidate as the Eagles looked to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history. With dominant wins over the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers, the Eagles faced off against MVP winner Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. While the game did not end in Philadelphia’s favor, Jalen Hurts had himself a day, putting on one of the most impressive performances ever seen by an Eagles’ QB, even outdueling the league’s MVP, Mahomes.
Throwing for 304 yards while rushing for 70, along with four total touchdowns, a two-point conversion, and a passer rating of 103.4, Jalen Hurts put on a show and did nearly everything he could to secure the victory for Philadelphia. Had it not been for a crucial fumble, the poor field conditions, or a couple of ill-timed defensive penalties, he may have succeeded, but alas, that is all a part of the game.
3. Saquon Barkley breaks Van Buren’s 76-year-old record
The most elite performance by a running back in Eagles’ postseason history, Saquon Barkley was simply dominant against the very same team Steve Van Buren had set the record against 76 long years ago. Rushing for 205 total yards and two rushing touchdowns, Barkley’s performance was the most impressive by a running back in the postseason since Raheem Mostert exploded onto the scene for the San Francisco 49ers back in 2020.
Los Angeles was helpless against Barkley, who seemingly reached the endzone at will no matter where the Eagles lined up to begin the play. This game marked the second time in Barkley’s career that he had rushed for over 200 yards, the first coming during the regular season, also against the LA Rams. What’s perhaps most shocking is that, if Philadelphia truly needed it, Barkley may not have yet truly reached his peak and could continue to reach such great heights as long as he plays behind this Eagles’ offensive line.
2. Terrell Owens does it on half a leg
One of the gutsiest Super Bowl performances came from Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens during his lone season with the Philadelphia Eagles. In Week 14, against the Dallas Cowboys, Owens broke his fibula in his right leg and tore a ligament in his right ankle following a horsecollar tackle. The Eagles were just seven weeks from their eventual appearance in what they hoped would be their first-ever Super Bowl victory.
Owens would require surgery, and doctors initially wouldn’t clear him to play in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. Owens claimed that he signed a waiver releasing the NFL from liability should his playing in the game negatively impact his future playing career. Former Eagles President Joe Banner has since denied this claim.
Regardless of what was or wasn’t signed, Owens would play in Super Bowl XXXIX and would finish with an incredible 122 yards of nine receptions on, as he put it, ‘half a leg.’ While statistically, it may not have been as flashy a performance, considering Owens’ ailment, it was one of the most memorable performances in NFL history, postseason or otherwise.
1. Nick Foles overcomes the odds to make history
What else could be No. 1, if not the greatest underdog story ever told? Nick Foles, relegated to backup status, returns to Philadelphia, where he began his career, steps up following the terrible injury Carson Wentz suffered, and leads the Eagles to their first-ever Super Bowl victory by outdueling the greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL. Nothing could top it.
Foles was hot coming into his first-ever Super Bowl appearance, having just throttled the Minnesota Vikings 38-7 while throwing for 352 and three touchdowns. Against the New England Patriots, led by Tom Brady, Foles would have to replicate, if not exceed, his production from the previous week. When the Eagles needed him the most, Foles would do exactly that.
Going toe-to-toe with Brady and then some, Foles managed to play perhaps the most inspired games of his life. Throwing for 373 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and one receiving, Foles became the first player in Super Bowl history to both throw and catch a touchdown in the big game. It was a dazzling performance, one that won’t ever be forgotten by Philly fans. While Brandon Graham’s timely strip sack of Tom Brady rightfully takes much of the recognition, the Philadelphia Eagles would be without a Super Bowl ring if not for Nick Foles.
