Are Eagles Super Bowl-Bound After Win Over Ravens?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Aiden Kauffman | Last updated Dec 1, 2024 7:46 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles strengthened their playoff positioning with a hard-fought 24-19 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, improving to 10-2 and maintaining their lead in the NFC East. The statement win, powered by Saquon Barkley’s fourth-quarter dagger and a defensive showing that bent but didn’t break, reaffirmed the Eagles as legitimate contenders.

After a sluggish first quarter in which Philadelphia managed just 4 total yards, the offense found its rhythm, finishing with 253 total yards. Meanwhile, the defense capitalized on an unprecedented day from Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who missed a career-high three field goals. Tucker’s misses left crucial points on the board, ultimately shifting the game’s outcome.

The turning point came early in the fourth quarter when Barkley, continuing to build his MVP case, broke free for a 25-yard touchdown run, extending the Eagles' lead to 21-12. The score followed two of Tucker’s missed field goals, which had kept the Ravens from closing the gap.

The Eagles' defense, led by linebacker Zack Baun’s stellar performance (13 tackles, 0.5 sacks), consistently frustrated Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' offense. Philadelphia held Baltimore to 317 total yards, containing both Jackson’s dual-threat abilities and the ground attack led by Derrick Henry.

Tucker’s rare struggles were pivotal. He missed attempts from 47 and 53 yards, as well as a shorter 41-yarder, marking the first time in his career he’s missed three field goals in one game.

“I don’t think we’ve ever seen that from him,” Eagles safety Reed Blankenship said. “But we knew if we kept the pressure on, things would break our way.”

The victory keeps Philadelphia one game behind the NFC-leading Detroit Lions (11-1) and sends a clear message: The Eagles remain one of the league’s premier contenders. For Baltimore (8-5), the loss adds pressure to their AFC North race and highlights a rare off day for their normally reliable kicker.

The win was particularly impressive given the Eagles were without wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who missed the game with a hamstring injury. In his absence, A.J. Brown stepped up as Jalen Hurts’ go-to target, recording six receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown.

“This was a total team effort,” said Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. “We overcame some early struggles, and our guys showed the resilience that’s been a hallmark of this team all season.”

The Eagles now look ahead to a pivotal stretch as they chase the Lions for the NFC’s top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Their remaining schedule includes matchups against division rivals and key conference opponents, but with Barkley and the defense firing on all cylinders, Philadelphia’s championship aspirations appear stronger than ever.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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