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Highlights & Takeaways From Rams’ NFC Divisional Round Loss To The Eagles

Matt Peralta
Matt Peralta
4 Min Read
Matthew Stafford. Jalen Hurts, Rams, Eagles
Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) greets Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) after their game in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Coming off an impressive and emotional Wild Card win against the Minnesota Vikings, the Los Angeles Rams faced a much stiffer test in the NFC Divisional Round as they traveled east to take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles were coming off their own strong victory against the Green Bay Packers, setting up a rematch from their Week 11 tilt where Philadelphia blew out Los Angeles 37-20.

Not only did the Eagles hold home-field advantage, the Rams were also forced to play through poor weather conditions as snow fell on the field. Los Angeles gave everything they had, but fell just short against Philadelphia as they lost 28-22 to end their season.

Coming into the game, all eyes were on the Rams’ defensive front as they were gashed on the ground during the regular season by the Eagles. Unfortunately, their struggles defending the run game was on display on Philadelphia’s opening drive as they allowed Jalen Hurts to run right for 44 yards and a touchdown to make it 6-0 early.

The Rams did well to respond on their ensuing drive as Kyren Williams broke loose for a 20-yard run while Matthew Stafford hit Puka Nacua for a 16-yard gain to set the team up to score. Moving into the red zone, Stafford found Tyler Higbee for a four-yard grab to give L.A. a 7-6 lead.

After trading punts, Saquon Barkley broke through the line of scrimmage for a 62-yard run that made it 13-7. On the next drive, Stafford hit Demarcus Robinson for a 48-yard strike to set up a 30-yard field goal for Joshua Karty that made it 13-10.

The next score didn’t come until the third quarter when the two teams each nailed field goals, though the Rams later came up with a safety on Jalen Hurts to make it 16-15 in favor of the Eagles.

From that point on, the snow began to really fall and it caused Los Angeles to turn the ball over a couple of times with Williams and Stafford both fumbling. Midway through the fourth quarter, Barkley broke loose again for a 78-yard rumble that appeared to put the game out of reach.

However, the Rams didn’t quit as Stafford quickly pushed the ball downfield and found Colby Parkinson for a touchdown grab that made it 28-22. Los Angeles’ defense gave them a chance to win the game after Kobie Turner sacked Hurts, but Stafford was unable to find Nacua on fourth down and the team would wind up taking a heartbreaking loss.

What’s next for the Rams

Officially eliminated from the playoffs, the Rams will now look toward free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft to help retool their roster.

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By Matt Peralta
Matt was born and raised in Long Beach, Calif. and is a lifelong Lakers and Rams fan. Because of his love for sports, Matt successfully pursued a degree in journalism at California State University, Long Beach (#GoBeach) and is now a Staff Writer for RamsNewsWire.com. He is also a Staff Writer for LakersNation.com and RaidersNewsWire.com. Contact: mattp@mediumlargela.com Twitter: @_MatthewPeralta Instagram: @matthewperalta