NFL
Rams to target one key Eagles player
Rams and Eagles gear up for an intense playoff clash, with one standout player poised to shape the outcome in this high-stakes matchup.

When the Los Angeles Rams face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, they’ll need more than strategy – they’ll need a solution. This NFC divisional-round clash features two teams with rich postseason pedigrees and vastly different seasons. But one thing binds them: Saquon Barkley, and what he might do next.

Barkley the man of the moment
The Eagles’ star running back isn’t just a weapon; he’s a battering ram wrapped in a green jersey. Earlier this season, Barkley shredded the Rams for 302 total yards and two touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 255 rushing yards. Philadelphia cruised to a 37-20 win, with Barkley leaving a trail of defenders in his wake. He even managed two 70-plus-yard touchdowns, becoming just the sixth player in NFL history to do so. No pressure, Rams defense.

Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay knows what’s coming. “We’ve learned from those setbacks,” he said, referencing the Rams’ early-season struggles. Those “setbacks” included a midseason loss to Philadelphia that left Los Angeles at 5-6. Since then, the Rams have clawed back, finishing the regular season strong and dominating the Minnesota Vikings in the wild-card round. But containing Barkley? That’s a different beast altogether.
Rams defense remember Saquon
The Rams’ defense isn’t short on firepower. Last week, it tallied an eye-popping nine sacks against Minnesota, tying an NFL playoff record. Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and Neville Gallimore spearheaded a relentless pass rush. Yet, as Rams fans painfully recall, Barkley didn’t need much time to blow past defenders the first time around. The task now is figuring out how to rewrite the script.
Philadelphia has its sights set on a second conference title in three years, riding a season that saw them finish 14-3 atop the NFC East. Barkley is at the heart of their offense, but quarterback Jalen Hurts offers another dimension. Hurts was steady but unspectacular in last week’s win over the Packers, managing two touchdowns and 36 rushing yards. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised his quarterback’s ball security and leadership, but even he knows who the Rams will target.
“It’s obvious,” Sirianni said, addressing Barkley’s pivotal role. “Teams are going to throw everything at him, but he keeps producing.”

The Rams' offensive counterparts will try to keep pace. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has playoff pedigree, wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are elite threats, and Kyren Williams brings balance with 1,299 rushing yards this season. But Sunday isn’t shaping up as a shootout; it’s shaping up as a test of wills, and Barkley is the player the Rams cannot ignore.
Both teams enter the matchup banged up. The Rams are without linebacker Troy Reeder and defensive end Larrell Murchison, while the Eagles will miss defensive tackle Byron Young. Despite this, McVay expects his questionable starters to suit up.
If history is any indicator, the Rams have a slight edge, holding a 2-1 advantage in postseason meetings. Yet, history doesn’t play defense. Stopping Saquon Barkley is likely going to be the Rams’ single biggest challenge - and if they fail, their playoff journey ends Sunday.
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