Snow in the Forecast as Eagles Prepare for Raiders Showdown - Could Saquon Barkley Thrive Again in Wintry Conditions?
PHILADELPHIA - It’s been more than a decade since the Eagles played a regular-season game in the snow, but that streak might come to an end this Saturday when they host the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field. And while the forecast won’t bring back memories of the blizzard-like conditions from the legendary “Snow Bowl” in 2013, there’s still a chance the game could be shaped by the elements - and by a running back who’s proven he can dominate in them.
According to the National Weather Service, snow is expected to start falling late Friday night and continue into the morning hours of game day. Accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are possible, with temperatures hovering around freezing at kickoff and dropping into the 20s by the final whistle. Add in gusty northwest winds between 30-40 mph, and you’ve got the kind of gritty, old-school football weather that can tilt the balance toward the ground game.
That’s where Saquon Barkley comes in.
Barkley has already carved out a place in Eagles history with his ability to take over games - especially when the weather turns nasty. Back in November, he set a franchise record with 255 rushing yards against the Rams. And while that performance came under the California sun, it was just a preview of what he’d do when conditions got tougher.
Fast forward to January, when the Eagles hosted the Rams again - this time in the NFC Divisional Round, with snow falling late in the game. Barkley delivered another monster performance, rushing for 205 yards and breaking a franchise playoff record that had stood since 1949. That’s right - he topped a mark set by Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren in the NFL Championship game over 75 years ago.
So if the snow does start falling Saturday, history tells us Barkley might be the one to watch.
Of course, this won’t be a full-blown blizzard like the one that blanketed the field in 2013, when LeSean McCoy ran wild for a then-franchise record 217 yards in a 34-20 win over the Lions. But even a few inches of snow - combined with freezing temps and swirling winds - can change the complexion of a game. Slippery footing, reduced visibility, and a slick football can all make life harder for quarterbacks and receivers, while giving a physical, downhill runner like Barkley a chance to shine.
This will also be the third straight home game where the Eagles are dealing with high winds, so they’re no strangers to battling the elements. But this time, it’s not just the wind - it’s the full December package: snow, cold, and a playoff-like atmosphere.
Game Info: Eagles vs. Raiders
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- TV: FOX (Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver)
- Radio: 94WIP (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick, Devan Kaney)
- Spanish Radio: TICO (Rickie Ricardo, Oscar Budejen, David Gerhardt)
If the forecast holds, this one could have the makings of a classic winter game in South Philly - and if recent history is any indication, Saquon Barkley might be ready to write another chapter in his snow-day legacy.