The Philadelphia Eagles , as Sunday’s favorites over the Los Angeles Rams, were hoping to find as little adversity as possible.
Neither the weather nor their health made life easier.
With 2:19 remaining in the third quarter, Philadelphia is leading Los Angeles 16-13, with snow beginning to fall and slick conditions shrinking the talent gap between the No. 2 and No. 4 seed.
Amidst the defensive struggle, the Eagles got brutal injury news on star rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
Mitchell was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a shoulder injury, adding adversity to the Divisional Round.
The injury was sustained in the first quarter. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford scrambled in an attempt to move the chains with 8:44 remaining in the first quarter. He came up just short, largely due to the hit Mitchell delivered.
The biggest play of this #LARvsPHI game could be that Matthew Stafford scramble for 2 reasons:
— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (BlueSky too now) (@sluggahjells) January 19, 2025
1) That Stafford first down scramble leading to the TD
2) Quinyon Mitchell getting injured on that tackle on Stafford
Those unlucky/lucky things in a tight game
@TWDTV1 pic.twitter.com/9cv7qmGxm9
Mitchell injured his shoulder on the play and was quickly removed from the action. Stafford also seemed to sustain an injury to his ribs on the hit (which was ruled to be clean). Los Angeles’ quarterback did not miss a play, although his pain may have impacted a play or two later in the afternoon.
Mitchell’s hit stopped the Rams short of the sticks. On the ensuing fourth down, running back Kyren Williams found four yards. Three players later, Los Angeles scored a touchdown and took the lead.
The loss is undoubtedly a hindrance to Philadelphia’s chances. However, the weather has helped hold Los Angeles in check, especially along the perimeter.
Without much of a downfield passing game, it’s possible Mitchell’s absence is mitigated by the conditions. If the Eagles can overcome the injury, they’ll get to play host to the Washington Commanders for the right to go to the Super Bowl.
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