Rematch with the Rams | Sports Daily Newsletter
Saquon Barkley rushed for a career-high 255 yards against L.A. in Week 12. Can he thrive again?
The Los Angeles Rams trounced the Vikings, 27-9, on Monday night, setting up a divisional-round playoff matchup with the Eagles on Sunday at 3 p.m. It will be a rematch for the two teams who faced off in Week 12.
The Eagles left that road matchup on Nov. 24 extending a seven-game winning streak, while Sean McVay’s squad dropped to 5-6, casting doubt on its playoff chances.
But here we are, and the Rams have certainly turned things around since then. They went on to win five of their final six games to solidify their spot as the No. 4 seed. But let’s not forget about how the Eagles beat the Rams, 37-20: Saquon Barkley exploded for a career-high 255 yards and two touchdowns.
Now the Eagles are one win away from an NFC championship game appearance. Can their star running back do it again? Olivia Reiner breaks down the four matchups to look out for in Sunday’s game at the Linc. Also, in case you missed it, EJ Smith examined the game film against the Packers, and one area still remains stagnant: the passing attack.
— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.
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With the election results — for the Baseball Hall of Fame, that is — due to be announced on Jan. 21, everyone’s talking about Ichiro Suzuki and others who may comprise Cooperstown’s Class of 2025. But Inquirer voter Scott Lauber is stuck on Cole Hamels. Never mind that Hamels won’t be up for consideration until the next voting cycle. Since placing a check mark alongside CC Sabathia’s name … and Andy Pettitte’s … and Félix Hernández’s, and bringing the paper ballot to the post office, Lauber has been anticipating the former Phillies ace’s Hall of Fame candidacy in 2026.
The Phillies’ top three prospects will be on display at major league spring training in February.
With Nakobe Dean out for the Eagles’ playoff run, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio needs to fill the linebacker’s place. However, it won’t be an easy spot to fill, as Dean was the one making defensive calls on the field, but backups Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. have taken practice reps alongside Zack Baun, As of now, the Eagles look to take a committee approach.
Jeff McLane takes you inside the locker room to reveal the team’s no-nonsense focus on winning. With a strong defense, the Eagles are ready for the NFC divisional round. Plus, Jeff speaks with Eagles free agents-to-be Milton Williams and Zack Baun about the excitement of the present and the uncertainty of their respective futures. Listen here.
The Sixers re-signed Pete Nance to a two-way contract in the wake of the absences of Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond, who both missed their fifth straight game Tuesday night. Nance’s lone NBA appearance came during the Sixers’ 125-103 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 30. And speaking of two-way players, Imhotep Charter graduate Justin Edwards has been thrust into the team’s rotation, even logging some key fourth-quarter minutes.
In addition to missing Embiid and Drummond, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Caleb Martin also missed Tuesday’s game against the Thunder, and it showed on the scoreboard. Edwards led the team with the 25 points as the Sixers dropped their third straight game.
Some goaltending problems have led to losses, but the Flyers are still right in the playoff mix, in reach of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Inquirer’s Jackie Spiegel sat down with coach John Tortorella for a two-part interview that touches on the their playoff hopes, Matvei Michkov’s development, and more.
Also, Morgan Frost has been a hot streak. Ahead of Tuesday’s matchup, the 25-year-old had scored in three straight games. And lately, he’s working on being at the top of the crease, instead of playing too much on the perimeter.
A two game Flyers winning streak ended in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the Orange and Black picked up a point for their third straight game.
Worth a look
Leveling up: After 20 years as a college and pro assistant, Ventnor City native B.J. Callaghan is ready for his first season as an MLS manager.
Bigger stage: Meet Ivan Glubish, an Eagles fan who brought down the house with his national anthem on the saxophone during the team’s wild-card matchup with the Packers.
Missing time: South Jersey’s Isabeau Levito, a World silver medalist, will miss next week’s U.S. Figure Skating Championships because of a foot injury.
🧠 Trivia time answer
Who has made the most career field goals for the Eagles?
D) David Akers with 294
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Lochlahn March, Jonathan Tannenwald, Jeff McLane, Keith Pompey, Jackie Spiegel, Gabriela Carroll, and Ellen Dunkel.
By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Thanks for reading. Have a wonderful Wednesday, Philly. Kerith will be in your inbox tomorrow. — Bella