Saquon Barkley’s Record-Breaking Night Powers Eagles to Seventh Straight Win
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — It was a night to remember for Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles. The star running back delivered a jaw-dropping performance, running for touchdowns of 70 and 72 yards in the second half and setting a new Eagles franchise record with 255 rushing yards. The Eagles cruised to their seventh consecutive victory, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 37-20 on Sunday night.
Barkley’s electrifying runs weren’t just game-changers—they were history-makers. His 70-yard touchdown on the first play of the third quarter and his 72-yard sprint late in the fourth made him the first NFL player since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2009 to record two 70-yard rushing touchdowns in a single game. Barkley finished the night with 302 total yards, cementing his place in the record books with the ninth-most rushing yards in a game in NFL history.
“It’s just one of those nights where everything clicks,” Barkley said after the game. “The offensive line was incredible, and I just tried to make the most of every opportunity.”
Barkley’s Dominance Shatters Records
Barkley’s performance wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a franchise-defining moment. He obliterated the Eagles’ previous single-game rushing record of 217 yards, set by LeSean McCoy in 2013. Additionally, his 255 rushing yards were the most ever recorded against the Rams, surpassing DeMarco Murray’s 253-yard effort for Dallas in 2011.
With this performance, Barkley now leads the NFL with 1,392 rushing yards this season, including a league-best seven 100-yard rushing games. His impact in his first season with Philadelphia has been nothing short of seismic, and he’s quickly become the centerpiece of the Eagles’ offense.
Second-Half Surge Propels Eagles
While the Eagles (9-2) held a narrow 13-7 lead at halftime, the second half was a completely different story. Barkley’s 70-yard touchdown run on the opening snap of the third quarter set the tone, and the Eagles never looked back. Quarterback Jalen Hurts contributed with 179 passing yards, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Brown, who finished with six catches for 109 yards and a score.
Philadelphia’s defense also played a significant role, sacking Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford five times. Despite Stafford’s 243 passing yards and a late touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp, the Rams (5-6) couldn’t keep pace with the Eagles’ explosive offense in the second half.
Key Moments from the Game
- First Half: The Eagles dominated the second quarter but only managed a 13-7 lead at halftime. Hurts connected with Brown for a 6-yard touchdown late in the half, a play initially ruled incomplete but overturned upon video review.
- Third Quarter: Barkley’s 70-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second half broke the game wide open. The Rams responded with a touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson, but the Eagles quickly answered with a 13-yard touchdown run by Kenneth Gainwell.
- Fourth Quarter: With the game in hand, Barkley delivered the exclamation point—a 72-yard touchdown run that sent Eagles fans into a frenzy.
Rams Struggle to Keep Up
For the Rams, it was a tough night at home. Running back Kyren Williams rushed for a touchdown, and Robinson caught his career-best sixth touchdown pass of the season. Rookie sensation Puka Nacua also had a strong showing with nine catches for 117 yards. However, the Rams’ defense had no answer for Barkley, and their offense couldn’t match the Eagles’ firepower in the second half.
“We’ve got to be better,” Stafford said postgame. “They’re a great team, but we didn’t execute the way we needed to in the second half.”
Looking Ahead
With their seventh straight win, the Eagles continue to solidify their status as one of the NFL’s top Super Bowl contenders. Barkley’s historic night only adds to the team’s growing momentum as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season. Meanwhile, the Rams will need to regroup quickly as they fight to stay in the playoff hunt.
For now, though, all eyes are on Barkley and the Eagles. If this performance is any indication, Philadelphia’s offense is only getting started—and that’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.
Originally Written by: Greg Beacham
