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Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) and cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
September 17, 2024 By  NFC East, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles’ Saquon Barkely Releases Statement Amid “Fans Turning On Him” Following Week 2 Loss To Falcons

The Philadelphia Eagles suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 of the new season.  Monday Night Football welcomed Atlanta into Philadelphia for an NFC matchup.  After a back and forth game, Kirk Cousins threw a touchdown pass to Drake London late in the fourth quarter that wound up being the difference.

Philadelphia had their chances, and Saquon Barkely knows that.

Eagles’ Saquon Barkely Releases Statement After Week 2 Loss To Falcons

Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

With 1:46 left in the game, Barkley dropped the third-and-3 attempt pass attempt that would have extended the game. By running instead of passing, the Eagles would have drained 40 seconds off the clock, which might not have allowed Atlanta enough time to come back.

After the game, Barkley blamed himself rather than the play call:

“I dropped the ball. Let my team down today,” Saquon Barkley told the media. “Shouldn’t have put the defense in that position. If I make the catch, game’s over.

“I thought it was a great play call. I just got to make the catch.”

Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Many fans were quick to turn on Barkley after the loss.

Related:  NFL Fans Turn On Saquon Barkley After Blowing Philadelphia Eagles Chance To Win

Dave Holcomb highlighted exactly what happened after that third and three:

Barkley’s drop forced the Eagles to send the field goal unit onto the field for fourth-and-3. Jake Elliott’s successful attempt gave the Eagles a 6-point lead, but the Falcons were getting the ball back with 1:39 left in regulation.

The Falcons only needed 65 seconds to drive 70 yards for the game-winning touchdown.

The Eagles had one final opportunity to retake the lead. But quarterback Jalen Hurts threw an interception with 27 seconds left.

May 30, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball during practice at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball during practice at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

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About McQuade Arnold

McQuade Arnold is a Co-Owner of Wisconsin Sports Heroics (WSH), Gridiron Heroics (GH), and Hardwood Heroics (HWH). He graduated from American Military University with an associate in General Studies and is currently pursuing his Bachelors in Sports Marketing. McQuade has been active duty in the United States Navy for 11 years and is currently stationed in Chicago, IL after spending time in Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA. He is originally from Superior, WI and is a die hard Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks fan. McQuade's work for WSH has been featured on YardBarker, Bleacher Report, NewsBreak, and MSN.

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