LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Philadelphia Eagles were continuing their hot streak with a 24-19 win against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday to become the eighth-winningest team in franchise history. A game that pitted the best defense in the country against the best offense in the league was an Eagles game that showed why they are the favorites in the NFC East.
Barkley Shines in the Spotlight
It was Saquon Barkley who delivered when it mattered most — a 25-yard scoring run with 7:56 left in the fourth quarter. It was the high end of a big game, when he rushed for 107 yards and 2 touchdowns in a hot Ravens front. Though he went up against Derrick Henry, who only had 82 rushing and 29 receiving yards, Barkley’s big play held the Eagles in contention and reminded everyone why he’s one of the best backs in the NFL.
Tucker’s Struggles Haunt the Ravens
Justin Tucker, usually an enviable player, had a horrible night as he missed two big field goals and an extra point. His misfortunes kept Baltimore from squandering some key chances and they are 1.5 games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. Although Tucker did kick for 50 yards in the first half, his misses in the third quarter helped keep the Ravens from getting going again.
Jackson Stifled by Eagles Defense
Lamar Jackson was Baltimore’s top-flight QB who had an Eagles defense that did not make him effective. Jackson had 237 yards and a touchdown passing and 79 rushing yards but it wasn’t enough to get through Philadelphia’s linebackers. Jackson, who is 23-2 against NFC opponents as a starter, was stretched for most of the game.
The Ravens were first to get going on a 14 yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Mark Andrews, who converted six Eagles penalties in the opening period. But then the Eagles took over with a pair of scores in the second quarter: a 17-yard throw from Jalen Hurts to Dallas Goedert and a 1-yard QB run by Hurts showing his character and speed.
Injuries Take Their Toll
The games for both teams were very badly damaged. The Eagles were without wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), while safety Reed Blankenship went out with a concussion. Then there’s receiver Britain Covey who limped off with a neck injury, and Dallas Goedert who got hurt on the knee.
But the Ravens had their fair share of dips, too, minus wide receiver Rashod Bateman with a knee injury and safety Sanoussi Kane with a hamstring injury. Safety Kyle Hamilton went into concussion protocol but was able to play again later in the game.
Defensive Dominance Secures the Win
Philly’s defense was yet again showing why it’s No. 1 in the league and shut down Baltimore’s offense for most of the second half. But the Eagles, who gave up a 50-yard field goal before the break, remained down the Ravens until the very end, when Jackson hit Isaiah Likely for an 11-yard touchdown pass.
What’s Next?
The Eagles are 10-2 and remain the NFC East leaders after this victory. Their success to come back from a 9-0 deficit and shut down a blitzing Ravens offense shows their championship dreams.
Meanwhile, the Ravens slip to 8-5 and look under increased fire in the AFC North. Their offense is still very good but Justin Tucker has struggled out of his normal groove and a handful of injuries will leave them hanging in the postseason.
Final Thoughts
This contest showed the strength and length of the Philadelphia Eagles. From Barkley’s game-winning touchdown to a defense that shut down Lamar Jackson, the Eagles showed they can get past elite opponents. The Eagles have the tools for a late playoff run and the Ravens will have to pull together and get better at being inconsistent to stay in the game.
The Eagles’ 8th consecutive victory was no joke — and no nudge for the rest of the league.
