Our offseason opponent breakdown series on theRams.com rolls on with Los Angeles' Week 3 road opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles (Lincoln Financial Field, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. PT on FOX).
2024
After an uneven 2-2 start, the Eagles got red-hot with a 10-game win streak through Weeks 6-15. Anchored by a Saquon Barkley-led rushing attack, Philadelphia's streak ended with a 36-33 loss on a touchdown pass from Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels to wide receiver Jamison Crowder with six seconds left in Week 16. Overall, though, it had the momentum of winning 12 of its final 13 regular season games going into the playoffs.
The postseason culminated with a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX victory over the Chiefs to deny Kansas City the NFL's first-ever three-peat champion.
Key changes
As is standard with most reigning champs, attrition hit the Eagles hard, especially on defense. Defensive lineman Milton Williams, a key piece to those playoff performances, signed a four-year deal with the Patriots in free agency. Veteran cornerback Darius Slay signed with the Steelers in free agency, and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Texans. Seven-year veteran outside linebacker Josh Sweat signed a four-year deal with the Cardinals in free agency.
Add in starting starting right guard Mekhi Becton signing with the Chargers, and Philadelphia overall lost five starters in the early stages of free agency this spring.
Head coach
Nick Sirianni enters his fifth season as head coach of the Eagles, compiling a 48-20 regular season record and 6-3 playoff record through his first four years. He signed a multi-year contract extension on May 19.
What to watch for
Eagles' rushing offense vs. Rams' revamped run defense
Barkley had a historic season in 2024 – his 2,005 rushing yards were just 101 shy of Eric Dickerson's NFL single-season record – so it wasn't just the Rams defense that had difficulty containing him. Still, it's not far-fetched to think his performances influenced how the Rams approached free agency and the draft this offseason.
Poona Ford has garnered praise for his run-stopping ability, as have rookies Ty Hamilton and Pooh Paul Jr. based on their advanced stats.
Bookmark this and the Ravens game three weeks later as early-season tests for the Rams' run defense.
