In one of the most electrifying displays of resilience and championship mettle in the 2025 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles orchestrated a stunning 33-26 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on September 21, 2025. The defending Super Bowl champions, trailing by 19 points early in the third quarter, demonstrated why they remain the gold standard in the National Football Conference, capped by defensive tackle Jordan Davis’s historic 61-yard blocked field goal return as time expired.
The Eagles’ victory marked their 12th consecutive home win and improved their record to 3-0, while the Rams suffered their first defeat of the season, falling to 2-1. This playoff rematch from last season’s divisional round showcased the dramatic shifts in momentum, exceptional individual performances, and the kind of special teams heroics that define championship seasons. The contest had been predicted across major sportsbooks and expert analyses heading into Week 3, making the Eagles’ comeback all the more remarkable given preseason expectations.
Jordan Davis: The 336-Pound Hero
With three seconds remaining and the Rams’ Joshua Karty lined up for a potential game-tying 44-yard field goal, Davis etched his name into Eagles lore. The 6-foot-6, 336-pound defensive tackle burst through the line, and blocked Karty’s low kick, scooped up the ball, and rumbled 61 yards into the end zone. According to NextGen Stats, Davis reached a speed of 18.59 miles per hour on the return, making him the fastest player over 330 pounds to run that fast since at least 2017.
This marked the Eagles’ second blocked field goal of the fourth quarter, with Jalen Carter blocking Karty’s 36-yard attempt earlier in the period. The Eagles became just the fourth NFL team since 2001 to block two field goals in a game and return one for a touchdown. Remarkably, September 21, 2025, marked exactly 50 years to the day since the Eagles last blocked two field goals in a single game, when they accomplished the feat against the New York Giants on September 21, 1975.
Davis, who has made weight loss and conditioning a priority since midway through the previous season, credited his improved diet, extra workouts, and Peloton training for dropping excess weight. His performance included five tackles, one sack, and one quarterback hit in addition to the game-winning blocked field goal return.
Jalen Hurts Orchestrates Second-Half Masterclass
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts endured a nightmarish first half, finishing with just 17 passing yards and absorbing multiple big hits as the offense struggled to find any rhythm. The turning point came when the Eagles found themselves down 26-7 early in the third quarter, prompting offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to open up the playbook with more downfield throws and designed quarterback runs. This comeback trajectory aligned with the Eagles’ overall dominance throughout the season, as evidenced by their performance against other conference opponents.
The transformation was remarkable. After his dismal first-half performance, Hurts threw for 204 yards and all three of his touchdown passes in the second half alone. He finished the game 21-of-32 for 226 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions, adding 40 rushing yards and one touchdown on nine carries. The victory extended Hurts’ winning streak to 17 consecutive games that he has started and finished.
Hurts’ clutch gene shone brightest when the Eagles needed him most. Facing a third-and-13 at their own 27-yard line with 9:09 remaining and clinging to a 21-19 lead, Hurts escaped pressure, scrambled to his right, and connected with A.J. Brown for a critical 13-yard gain to extend the drive. He capped the drive with a 28-yard touchdown strike to Brown, providing what appeared to be the winning margin before Davis’s heroics.
A.J. Brown’s Tale of Two Halves
Wide receiver A.J. Brown experienced one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent Eagles history. After a completely silent first half with zero receptions, Brown exploded for six catches, 109 yards, and one touchdown in the second half. His performance proved decisive on multiple have to have it third-down conversions.
Brown’s second-half dominance came against a Rams secondary featuring a trio of undersized cornerbacks playing without injured starter Ahkello Witherspoon. Brown used his 6-foot-1, 225-pound frame to bully defenders, showcasing the power and speed combination that makes him one of the NFL’s elite receivers. His longest reception of 38 yards set up a crucial touchdown, and his 28-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter gave the Eagles breathing room.
Through the first seven games of the 2025 season, Brown has caught 29 passes for 395 yards and three touchdowns on 51 targets, averaging 13.6 yards per reception. While his numbers have drawn scrutiny compared to previous seasons, his ability to deliver in critical moments continues to justify his status as one of the league’s premier playmakers. His performance in this matchup mirrored the consistency shown in Eagles vs Washington Commanders match player stats from earlier in the season, demonstrating clutch play when it matters most.
DeVonta Smith’s Consistent Excellence
While Brown grabbed headlines with his second-half explosion, DeVonta Smith quietly produced another efficient performance with eight receptions for 60 yards and one touchdown. Smith’s four-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, which came on a failed two-point conversion attempt that would have given the Eagles a 27-26 lead, proved crucial in maintaining their one-point advantage.
Smith’s reliability on third and fourth downs continues to be a hallmark of his game. His precision route-running and sure hands make him Hurts’ most dependable target in crucial situations, forming one half of the most formidable receiving duo in the NFL.
Rams Offensive Firepower Falls Short
Despite the loss, the Rams demonstrated considerable offensive firepower, amassing 356 total yards compared to the Eagles’ 288. Quarterback Matthew Stafford passing yards totaled 196 on 19-of-33 completions with two touchdowns and one interception, which came on a throw picked off by Eagles linebacker Zack Baun on the Rams’ opening drive. Stafford’s performance, while solid, underscored the challenges Los Angeles faced in maintaining their early lead against a determined Eagles team seeking redemption from their Week 3 deficit. His connection with newly acquired receiver Davante Adams produced immediate dividends, as Adams hauled in three receptions for 56 yards, including a spectacular 44-yard touchdown in the first quarter. The veteran receiver’s ability to get behind the Eagles’ secondary demonstrated that the Rams’ Matthew Stafford performance continues to generate opportunities for explosive plays, much like in their Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams match player stats from earlier games.
Puka Nacua Continues Breakout Season
Second-year sensation Puka Nacua continued his remarkable ascent with 11 receptions for 112 yards on 15 targets. Nacua’s ability to win at the catch point and generate yards after contact makes him Stafford’s most reliable target. Through six games of the 2025 season, Nacua has caught 54 passes for 616 yards and two touchdowns, maintaining the exceptional production that made him a star as a rookie.
The 24-year-old receiver’s 11.4 yards per reception and consistent ability to move the chains have made him indispensable to the Rams’ offensive scheme. His physical style of play and exceptional hands allow him to thrive in Sean McVay’s system, even without explosive straight-line speed.
Kyren Williams Provides Ground Attack
Running back Kyren Williams rushing performance featured 20 carries for 94 yards, plus two receptions for 18 yards and one receiving touchdown. Williams’ 10-yard touchdown catch from Stafford at the start of the third quarter gave the Rams their largest lead of the game at 26-7, seemingly putting the Eagles on the ropes.
The former Notre Dame standout has rushed for 472 yards and two touchdowns on 107 carries through seven games of the 2025 season. His 4.4 yards per carry average and reliable hands out of the backfield make him a key component of the Rams’ offensive identity under McVay.
Red Zone Woes Doom Rams
The most glaring issue for the Rams proved to be their inability to convert red zone opportunities into touchdowns. Los Angeles managed just one touchdown on four red zone trips, settling for field goals on three occasions. For the season, the Rams’ red zone efficiency was a dismal 43 percent (6-for-14), a figure that would have ranked dead last in the NFL during the 2024 season.
In the end, not being able to finish in the red zone and struggling on third downs were areas where we fell short, Rams head coach Sean McVay stated after the game. Despite accumulating 356 total yards and 22 first downs, the Rams’ inability to punch the ball into the end zone cost them dearly against a championship-caliber opponent.
Joshua Karty, the Rams’ kicker, finished 4-of-6 on field goal attempts and contributed 14 points. However, his final two attempts both blocked, including the game-deciding kick that Davis returned for the touchdown.
Saquon Barkley Rushing Struggles Continue
One concerning note for the Eagles was the continued struggles of star running back Saquon Barkley rushing performance. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year managed just 46 yards on 18 carries (2.6 yards per carry) against a Rams defense that consistently stacked the box to contain him. Barkley added four receptions for just nine yards, marking his third consecutive game with minimal production.
Through three games of the 2025 season, Barkley had rushed for just 194 yards on 58 carries (3.3 yards per carry) with two touchdowns, a stark contrast to his record-breaking 2024 campaign when he rushed for 2,005 yards. The Rams’ defensive game plan focused heavily on stopping Barkley, forcing Hurts and the passing game to beat them, which ultimately proved effective in the first half before the Eagles adjusted.
Lane Johnson Injury Creates Early Adversity
The Eagles faced additional adversity when Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson left the game in the first quarter with a neck injury, later diagnosed as a stinger. Johnson suffered the injury on Philadelphia’s first successful tush push quarterback sneak, marking the first notable injury an Eagles player has suffered on the signature play.
Matt Pryor initially replaced Johnson but struggled mightily, with Hurts being sacked three times from Pryor’s side, including a sack-fumble at the start of the second half that gave the Rams possession at the Eagles’ 10-yard line. Head coach Nick Sirianni made the crucial adjustment to insert Fred Johnson at right tackle to start the third quarter, and the offense immediately responded with an 89-yard touchdown drive.
The Eagles have historically been a different team with Lane Johnson in the lineup, boasting a record of 104-55-1 with him on the field compared to 15-23 without him. Johnson, who indicated he was trending toward being available for the following week’s game against Tampa Bay, remains one of the NFL’s elite tackles despite being 35 years old.
Defensive Dominance in First Half
The Rams’ defense deserves significant credit for their first-half performance, holding the Eagles to just 33 total net yards of offense, including negative-one passing yard. The pass rush, led by Jared Verse and Byron Young, consistently pressured Hurts and forced him into uncomfortable situations.
Verse recorded one sack and forced the crucial fumble on the Hurts sack at the start of the third quarter. The Rams’ defensive line consistently won battles in the trenches during the first half, limiting Barkley’s effectiveness and preventing Hurts from finding any rhythm in the passing game.
However, the second-half adjustments by the Eagles’ coaching staff, combined with the Rams’ inability to maintain their intensity for a full 60 minutes, allowed Philadelphia to mount their historic comeback.
Special Teams Makes History
Beyond Davis’s game-winning heroics, the Eagles’ special teams unit made history by blocking two field goals in one game for the first time since September 21, 1975. The coincidence of the feat occurring exactly 50 years to the day adds another layer of significance to an already memorable performance.
Jalen Carter’s blocked field goal in the fourth quarter came at a critical juncture, with the Eagles trailing 26-21 and the Rams attempting to extend their lead to eight points. The block gave the Eagles excellent field position and momentum, which they converted into the go-ahead touchdown drive.
The Eagles became just the fourth NFL team since 2001 to block two field goals in a game and return one for a touchdown, joining an exclusive club of teams that have accomplished this rare feat. This level of special teams excellence reflects the balanced offensive attack and defensive prowess that separates championship contenders from pretenders.
Nick Sirianni Championship Coaching
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, who has now compiled a 51-20 regular-season record and 9-6 postseason record in his fourth-plus seasons, demonstrated the kind of composure and adjustment ability that separates championship coaches from the rest. His decision to replace Matt Pryor with Fred Johnson at right tackle proved crucial, as did the offensive adjustments to attack downfield in the second half.
It’s a great feeling, Sirianni said of the walk-off victory. I think the only walk-off win I’ve ever been a part of was the Buffalo game in ’23 and today, and it’s a great feeling. It’s an emotional game.
Sirianni emphasized the importance of maintaining composure regardless of circumstances. We need to keep our emotions in check, he remarked, acknowledging both the emotional weight of the comeback victory and the mental toughness required to navigate the ebbs and flows of an NFL game.
NFC Playoff Implications
The victory keeps the Eagles firmly atop the NFC East standings with a 3-0 record and maintains their position as one of the conference’s elite teams. Their 12-game home winning streak at Lincoln Financial Field gives them a significant advantage as the season progresses. Looking at NFL standings after Week 3, the Eagles’ positioning became even more critical as divisional and conference implications began to shape the playoff landscape.
For the Rams, the loss drops them to 2-1 but doesn’t diminish their status as legitimate NFC contenders. Their offensive firepower, led by Stafford, Nacua, and Adams, combined with a defense that can dominate for stretches, makes them dangerous. However, the red zone inefficiency and inability to close out a game they controlled for more than two quarters raises questions about their ability to win tight games against elite opponents.
Statistical Breakdown
The Eagles won despite being outgained 356-288 in total yards and earning fewer first downs (19-22). However, their efficiency in critical situations proved decisive. Philadelphia converted 80 percent of fourth-down attempts (4-of-5) compared to 0-of-1 for the Rams, and they were perfect in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on all three trips (3-of-3, 100 percent) compared to the Rams’ 1-of-4 (25 percent).
Third-down efficiency was nearly even, with the Eagles converting 36 percent (5-of-14) compared to the Rams’ 30 percent (3-of-10). Time of possession slightly favored the Eagles at 30:35 compared to 29:25 for Los Angeles.
The Eagles’ rushing attack managed just 86 yards on 27 carries (3.2 yards per attempt) compared to the Rams’ 160 yards on 31 carries (5.2 yards per attempt). However, the Eagles’ passing efficiency in the second half more than compensated for their struggles on the ground, demonstrating the kind of perfect quarterbacking performances that define championship-caliber teams.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles entered their bye week with momentum before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4, while the Rams returned home to host the Indianapolis Colts. For Philadelphia, the victory demonstrated their championship resilience and ability to win games in multiple ways, even when not playing their best football for extended stretches.
The defending Super Bowl champions showed they possess the championship DNA that separates pretenders from contenders. Their ability to overcome a 19-point deficit, adjust to a significant injury, and deliver in the clutch on both sides of the ball reinforces their status as the team to beat in the NFC.
For the Rams, the bitter defeat provides valuable lessons about finishing games and converting in the red zone. Their talent level is undeniable, but championship teams find ways to close out games they dominate for three quarters. The road ahead remains promising, but improvements in situational football will determine whether they can challenge for a Super Bowl berth.
Historic Context and Legacy
Jordan Davis’s 61-yard blocked field goal return will be remembered as one of the most dramatic finishes in Lincoln Financial Field history, joining the pantheon of memorable moments at the venue that opened in 2003. The 336-pound defensive tackle became the heaviest player in NFL history to return a blocked kick 50 yards or more for a touchdown, according to NFL research.
The victory also extended Jalen Hurts’ remarkable record in comeback situations. Since 1950, Hurts’ winning percentage after trailing by 10-plus points (.450) ranks second only to Patrick Mahomes (.560), cementing his reputation as one of the NFL’s most clutch performers.
For the Eagles as a franchise, the victory added another chapter to their growing legacy under Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman. With a 19-1 record over their last 20 games dating back to the previous season, the Eagles have established themselves as a dynasty in the making.
The September 21, 2025, matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles will be remembered as a microcosm of what makes the NFL compelling: dramatic swings in momentum, individual heroics, strategic adjustments, and the kind of finish that reminds fans why they love the game. Jordan Davis’s thunderous run into the end zone as time expired symbolized not just one game-winning play, but the resilience, preparation, and championship mindset that defines a team capable of defending their Super Bowl title.
