The Philadelphia Eagles are just one game away from another Super Bowl appearance, marking their eighth NFC Championship Game since 2000.
This year, they face a familiar foe in the Washington Commanders, their longtime NFC East rivals. Heading into the Divisional Round, questions surrounded the Eagles’ linebacker corps after Nakobe Dean suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon in his left knee during the win over the Green Bay Packers.
With Dean sidelined, many expected rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to step up. On January 14, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio hinted at this possibility, saying, “Trot has a good future, and that future may be now.” However, it was Oren Burks who rose to the occasion.
In the victory over the Rams, Burks delivered a standout performance with six total tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and a pass deflection. The 29-year-old made key plays, including a crucial third-down pass deflection with 4:54 remaining in the fourth quarter, forcing a punt and helping secure the win for the Eagles.
3rd & 10: Oren Burks swats the ball away
Rams are punting pic.twitter.com/Oqv8svKYSi
— 𝐃𝐈𝐄-𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 🦅 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄 (@Eaglesfans9) January 19, 2025
On the Eagles’ next offensive drive, Saquon Barkley broke free for a 78-yard rushing touchdown, extending Philadelphia’s lead to 28-15.
In addition to his offensive heroics, Barkley shone on defense, allowing just two catches for 17 yards, according to Pro Football Focus. The Vanderbilt product also demonstrated his speed and field awareness, making a key open-field tackle on running back Kyren Williams.
Oren Burks stepped in for Nakobe Dean and made a few splash plays while not being a liability in coverage, which was huge for the Eagles. https://t.co/mZ4shVKwsC
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaNFL) January 20, 2025
Burks capitalized on his increased playing time and delivered an impressive performance. The 2018 third-round pick proved he was the right choice to step up in the moment.
While the original plan was for Trotter Jr. to see some snaps in the Divisional Round, Burks’ outstanding play kept him on the sidelines. Adjusting the strategy on the fly worked out perfectly for the Eagles.
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