The Philadelphia Eagles’ run game, powered by the unstoppable Saquon Barkley, was a force of nature in 2024, leaving defenses battered and bruised. Few teams could slow down the dynamic running back, and the Los Angeles Rams learned this lesson the hard way—twice. After getting torched by Barkley in both the regular season and the 2024 NFL Playoffs, the Rams are hungry for redemption, and their defensive star, Kobie Turner, just fired a shot across the bow that has Eagles fans seething.
In a recent interview with NFL Network, Turner, the Rams’ tenacious third-round pick from 2023, didn’t mince words. The Week 3 showdown against the Eagles on September 21, 2025, in Philadelphia is already looming large on the Rams’ radar. “I’ve had that loss in the back of my mind for a while,” Turner admitted, his tone brimming with determination. “I definitely have Week 3 circled. Even in our individual training right now, we’re breaking down the Eagles’ offensive linemen—how they block, and how we’re going to defeat that.”
From The Insiders on @nflnetwork: As the #Eagles get their rings, #Rams DL Kobie Turner tips his cap. But of the Week 3 rematch: “Man, we definitely have that game circled. I have that game circled. And I’m super excited to get another crack at those guys.” pic.twitter.com/8ry6QZ3mfY
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 19, 2025
Barkley’s performances against the Rams in 2024 were nothing short of legendary. In their November regular-season clash, the superstar running back carved up Los Angeles’ defense like a hot knife through butter. A jaw-dropping 70-yard touchdown run in the third quarter left defenders grasping at air, and a 72-yard score late in the fourth sealed the Eagles’ commanding 37-20 victory. Barkley racked up an astonishing 255 yards on 26 carries, showcasing his rare blend of speed, power, and vision behind Philly’s elite offensive line.
The Divisional Round rematch in the playoffs was no less humiliating for the Rams. Barkley struck early, following a 44-yard Jalen Hurts touchdown scamper with a 62-yard sprint of his own in the first quarter. Later, with snow falling, Barkley delivered the dagger—a breathtaking 78-yard touchdown run that all but clinched the Eagles’ advancement. He finished with 205 yards on 26 carries, cementing his status as a one-man wrecking crew.
Despite the Rams’ efforts to contain Philly’s ground game, Barkley’s ability to break free for game-changing runs haunted them. “We stopped the run for the most part and handled it really well,” Turner explained, “but a couple of those runs where Saquon gets to the second level fast—he’s super dangerous there.” The defensive lineman’s message was clear: the Rams are laser-focused on neutralizing Barkley in 2025. “At the end of the day, it’s about getting Saquon down,” Turner declared. “That’s what we’re going to do a lot better this year—making sure we stop the run. When it gets to second-and-long or third-and-long, our guys come to life.”
Turner’s comments have ignited a firestorm among Eagles fans, who see the remarks as a direct challenge to their reigning Super Bowl champions. Social media is buzzing with Philly faithful clapping back, defending their star running back and dismissing the Rams’ bravado as empty talk. After all, the Eagles’ offensive line, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best, has consistently paved the way for Barkley’s heroics, and fans are confident that 2025 will be no different.
The Rams’ hunger for revenge is palpable. Having been humbled twice by the Eagles in 2024, Turner and his teammates are itching to flip the script. “I’m just super excited to run that back,” Turner said, acknowledging Philly’s championship pedigree. “Those guys are Super Bowl champs. They won it, and they deserve it, but this year is a new year.” His words carry the weight of a team determined to prove they belong among the NFL’s elite.
As the September 21 matchup in Philadelphia approaches, the stage is set for a clash of titans. The Eagles, riding high as defending champions, will look to unleash Barkley once again, while the Rams’ defensive front, led by a fired-up Turner, aims to rewrite the narrative. One thing is certain: this early-season showdown will be a battle for the ages, with pride, bragging rights, and perhaps a statement for the 2025 season on the line.