The Philadelphia Eagles' quest for a second consecutive Lombardi Trophy came to a crushing halt on January 11, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field. In a tense, defensive-minded NFC Wild Card battle, the San Francisco 49ers escaped with a 23-19 victory, eliminating the Eagles from the postseason.
The game turned on a moment of trickery that will haunt Philadelphia's offseason. In the third quarter, with the 49ers driving, wide receiver Jauan Jennings took a reverse and launched a perfect 29-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Christian McCaffrey. The stunning play gave San Francisco a lead they would not relinquish, despite a fierce Eagles comeback attempt.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, playing in his sixth season, delivered a gritty performance under constant pressure. He completed 24 of 38 passes for 278 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while adding 45 yards on the ground. His lone touchdown pass, a 12-yard strike to tight end Grant Calcaterra in the fourth quarter, was a historic one. It tied Hurts with Eagles legend Nick Foles for second place on the franchise's all-time playoff passing touchdowns list with 11, trailing only Donovan McNabb.
The Eagles' defense, missing several key starters, largely held the 49ers' potent offense in check but could not generate a critical takeaway in the final minutes. The offense, meanwhile, was hampered by significant injuries along the offensive line. Future Hall of Fame right tackle Lane Johnson was inactive due to a foot injury, and center Brett Toth was ruled out with a concussion. Their absences disrupted the run game and allowed consistent pressure on Hurts.
This loss marks a sudden and disappointing end to a season that began with the highest of expectations. The Eagles finish the 2025 campaign with an 11-6 regular-season record and a bitter taste of what might have been, as the organization now turns its full attention to a pivotal 2026 offseason.