Heroes, zeros from NFC Championship game: Zack Baun was everywhere

Heroes, zeros and the full blitz from the Eagles’ 55-23 thrashing of the Commanders in Sunday’s NFC Championship game:

Hero

Saquon Barkley shrugged off a right calf injury and carried 15 times for 118 yards and three touchdowns.

He scored touchdowns on his first two touches, including a dazzling 60-yarder on the Eagles’ first offensive snap.

Zero

After a touchdown by Jalen Hurts, Jeremy McNichols fumbled the ensuing kickoff return and it was recovered by the Eagles, who converted the turnover into a second touchdown in a 65-second span late in the first half.

Unsung hero

As good as Barkley has been, another free agent addition has been brilliant for the Eagles.

Defensive Player of the Year candidate Zack Baun forced a fumble and recovered another to go with his 12 tackles.

Zack Baun makes a tackle during the Eagles-Commanders NFC Championship game on Jan. 26, 2025. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Key stat

459: Total offensive yards by the Eagles, who scored touchdowns on eight of their first 11 possessions.

Quote of the day

“It don’t matter if you don’t win it, right? The most special thing you can do is win a Super Bowl.”

— Saquon Barkley