On December 1, 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles clinched their eighth consecutive victory, defeating the Baltimore Ravens 24-19 at M&T Bank Stadium. This hard-fought battle not only showcased the Eagles' grit but also solidified their standing as serious contenders for the Super Bowl.
Right from the get-go, the Ravens seemed to dominate the early game, showcasing their formidable offense. They took the lead with nine unanswered points, thanks mainly to Justin Tucker’s kicking and Lamar Jackson’s swift passes. Jackson completed 23 out of 36 attempts for 237 yards and threw two touchdown passes, proving once again why he remains a top-tier quarterback. Unfortunately for Baltimore, Tucker, known for his reliability, struggled, missing two field goals and one extra point.
It wasn’t until the second quarter when the Eagles, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, began to find their momentum. After trailing early on, Hurts connected with Dallas Goedert for a touchdown, bringing the score to 7-9. Hurts, who finished with 118 yards, also showcased his mobility with 29 rushing yards, executing plays precisely when needed.
The star of the night, undeniably, was Saquon Barkley. The Eagles’ running back amassed 107 rushing yards on 23 carries and scored the pivotal touchdown. Barkley’s game-winning run came mid-way through the fourth quarter. With about eight minutes left, he eluded several defenders and dashed for the end zone, putting the Eagles up 21-12. "I just ran through it as fast as I could, pretty much with my eyes closed," Barkley noted after the game, highlighting his instinctive playstyle.
Despite their early struggles, the Eagles’ defense stood firm against Baltimore’s relentless attack. They held Derrick Henry, the NFL's second-leading rusher, to just 82 yards, effectively stifling the Ravens’ powerful offensive plays. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio deserves credit for devising effective strategies to limit Baltimore's high-octane offense, adjusting especially after the Ravens’ strong start.
After Barkley’s touchdown, Tucker’s missed opportunities began to loom larger for Baltimore. The Ravens attempted a comeback with a touchdown from Isaiah Likely with only three seconds remaining, but it was too little, too late. The Eagles had already established their lead, and they maintained composure to run down the clock.
Looking forward, the Eagles will face the Carolina Panthers as they continue to build on their winning streak. With their current record at 10-2, they are poised to enter the postseason with confidence and determination. Lane Johnson, Eagles’ veteran tackle, expressed optimism about the team’s direction, stating, "The energy is there. We’re building momentum." This upbeat mindset bodes well as they prepare for the challenges of playoffs.
The Ravens, now at 8-5, have much to ponder during their bye week. Coach John Harbaugh and his staff will need to address missed opportunities and develop strategies to regain the offensive rhythm they had earlier this season. Their next challenge will be against the New York Giants, and they will need to capitalize if they wish to reclaim their footing as contenders within the AFC North.
Sunday's matchup stood out not just for the rivalry but also for the tactical brilliance displayed on both sides. The Eagles decisively proved they could overcome early adversity, showcasing resilience—an attribute associated with championship-caliber teams. With the playoffs edging closer, the pressure will only intensify, but if this game is any indicator, the Eagles are more than ready for the challenge.
