Sighs of relief canvassed the Philadelphia Eagles’ postgame locker room.
“Thank God for our defense,” left tackle Jordan Mailata said when asked about the win.
“That’s a big part of why we’re in here celebrating now — because of that defense,” wide receiver DeVonta Smith added from another section of cubbies.
Even running back Saquon Barkley, fresh off 232 scrimmage yards but nonetheless part of an offense that failed to reach the end zone for more than 41 minutes in the middle of the game, joined the chorus.
“Man, our defense is special, making plays for us,” said Barkley, who rushed for a franchise playoff-record 205 yards.