The number is 189 and it’s a mark that speaks volumes about the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley, so keep it fresh in your mind for a minute. Because the best way to tell the story of the running back’s return to New York is chronologically.
The day started with Barkley watching fans burning his jersey in the MetLife Stadium parking lot. It was a curious gesture by an ignorant Giants supporter because Barkley wanted to return to MetLIfe much earlier than Sunday’s 28-3 win. When New York rejected him in contract negotiations, Barkley took his talents to South Jersey, and then south to Brazil. He still signed autographs for fans of both teams before kickoff.
And after kickoff, Barkley shrugged off boos from the Giants’ faithful and exploded on runs of 38, 41 and 55 yards. The 55-yarder set up his own touchdown run, which gave Philadelphia a 7-0 lead in the second quarter. And after that 41-yard burst late in the third quarter, with the Eagles leading 21-3, Barkley headed to the Eagles’ sideline for a conversation – and a decision — with head coach Nick Sirianni.
“This gives me chills as I think about it,” Sirianni said, explaining that he knew Barkley had accumulated 176 rushing yards and easily could’ve gained 14 more in the final quarter to eclipse his single-game career high, 189, from the Giants’ 41-35 win at Washington on Dec. 22, 2019. “This guy is such a great teammate and all he cares about is winning. He looked at me and said, ‘Let the other guys eat.’”
They feasted. Kenneth Gainwell had 56 yards on 13 attempts and rookie Will Shipley got his first eight carries in the NFL. Philadelphia (4-2) added another touchdown and kept pace with first-place Washington (5-2) in the NFC East, and Barkley averaged 10.4 yards per tote, with 17 carries for 176 yards. Perhaps most importantly, the Eagles were able to give those backs critical playing time in the event Philadelphia needs them down the road, thanks to Barkley’s decision.
“He’s a special player. He’s a special person,” Sirianni said. “I read everything the Giants players were saying about him and … they knew it was going to be war but they all love him. And this football team loves him. When someone’s selfless, you talk about team, and the things it takes to be a team. Selflessness is a big part of it. That guy’s selfless and that guy’s a baller and I can’t say enough good things about him.”
Barkley and the Eagles get an interesting game next week at Cincinnati (3-4), which has won three of its last four after opening the season 0-3.
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