The Will Shipley Game: Eagles third-string running back left his mark on a dominant NFC Championship win
‘The Will Shipley Game’ – The NFC Championship Game was billed as the Saquon Barkley Show, and for most of the night, it lived up to the hype. Barkley torched the Washington Commanders for 118 yards and three touchdowns, but when the dust settled on the Eagles’ 55-23 blowout win, it was third-string running back Will Shipley who had everyone talking.
Shipley, largely an afterthought during the regular season, took full advantage of his fourth-quarter opportunity. The rookie broke off a 57-yard sprint that had Eagles fans roaring, followed by a two-yard touchdown that capped Philadelphia’s historic performance. On a night filled with star power, Shipley carved out a little piece of glory for himself.
Will Shipley NFC Championship:
- 1 forced fumble
- 4 carries, 77 yards, TD
- 88 kick return yards
Will Shipley Made His Mark All Over The Field on Sunday
Shipley’s contributions weren’t limited to that late touchdown. He opened the game with a massive kickoff return that set up Barkley’s first score.
Then, just before halftime, he delivered a game-changing forced fumble on special teams, helping the Eagles capitalize on yet another Washington misstep.
In total, Shipley finished with four carries for 77 yards, a touchdown, a forced fumble, and those crucial return yards. Not bad for a guy who’s spent most of the season watching Barkley dominate from the sideline.
A Running Back Room Celebration
After the game, Barkley made sure to give his teammate some love.
“I want to give a shoutout to Will Shipley,” Barkley said. “He came in, finished it strong. We talk in the running back room about making plays. … Will stepped up big for us.”
Shipley’s breakout moment even caught the attention of Fox broadcaster Tom Brady, who couldn’t resist poking a little fun at the young back during his 57-yard dash.
“He’s looking back like, ‘Is anyone going to catch me? Oh god, my legs are getting tired,’” Brady joked on the broadcast. “It was awesome to see him get that shine in a big moment.”
The Road Ahead
While Shipley’s heroics were a feel-good story in the waning minutes of a blowout, the reality is that his role will shrink again when the Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. With Barkley and Jalen Hurts leading the way, Shipley will likely return to his spot on special teams and the occasional spell in the backfield.
Still, his performance on Sunday proved one thing: when his number is called, Will Shipley is ready to deliver. Whether it’s as a spark plug on special teams or a surprise contributor in garbage time, the rookie has made his mark.
And for a player who’s spent the season in the shadow of Barkley, that’s something worth celebrating.
Will Shipley on Good Morning America following NFC Championship Win:
All Things Philadelphia Eagles:
- Birds steamroll Commanders, punch ticket to Super Bowl LIX
- Quinyon Mitchell throws Terry McLaurin in JAIL (again)
- Eagles set Conference Championship record with 55-23 blowout of Commanders
- Eagles’ Tush Push sparks insane Goal Line sequence, exposes obscure NFL Rule
- Sirianni had nothing but praise for his quarterback Jalen Hurts after win
- Super Bowl LIX: Eagles primed to end the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty in New Orleans
Join The Chase
Read More
Eagles Mock Draft: Mel Kiper has Howie Roseman going back to the trenches again
The Eagles being mocked an offensive lineman in Round 1…
Howie Roseman calls out the Jalen Hurts reporting for what it is
Howie Roseman did what more people around the Eagles should…
Eagles Mock Draft: PFF has Philadelphia taking Monroe Freeling to build for life after Lane Johnson
Eagles fans are not going to love seeing another safety…
Comments (0)