The Philadelphia Eagles absolutely crushed and humiliated the New York Giants, winning 28-3 on Sunday night, October 20. After facing some challenges earlier this season, the Eagles made a bold statement with this impactful win that they are not finished and are back in the game.
Leading the team to a win, Saquon Barkley, the Eagles’ star running back, was the bird of the night. Barkley broke free for a 55-yard run in the second quarter, setting himself up for a rushing three-yard touchdown which started the Eagles off in an upward trajectory and opened the scoring of the game.
In the third quarter, Barkley’s 38-yard run set up Jalen Hurts‘ first touchdown of the night, crossing the line by the Eagles’ signature short-yard play, or as you may call it, a tush push. Barkley had another impactful 41-yard run in the fourth quarter setting up Hurts’ for his second tush push touchdown.
A.J. Brown is not to be left unmentioned with his impressive 41-yard touchdown reception, thrown by Hurts, giving the Eagles a fourth down conversion. The fourth down throw to Brown ended up being a beautiful throw and catch putting the score to 14-0, in favor of the Eagles, showing Hurts’ ability to execute in critical situations.
WHAT A THROW. WHAT A CATCH. 🎯@jalenhurts 🤝 @1kalwaysopen_ pic.twitter.com/KqM2fAbZ5k
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 20, 2024
Barkley’s remarkable performance against his old team, during his first game back at MetLife Stadium in Eagles green, has become a hot topic. He amassed up an impressive 176 rushing yards on 17 carries, averaging 10.4 yards per attempt. This performance, falling just short of his career-best 189 yards, has been a significant highlight for both Barkley and the Eagles. His comeback has generated considerable excitement, further fueling the rivalry between teams.
Barkley’s Response to Fan Hostility
It is easy to say that Barkley played a powerful game against his old teammates.
Saquon Barkley addressed being booed by Giants fans in the article: “As a competitor, that’s the stuff you live for.” He emphasized the importance of the divisional win and expressed no ill feelings towards his former team: “I got no hate in my heart”.
“I know I was getting booed, but as a competitor that’s the stuff you live for…it’s all love.”
Saquon Barkley is with @Kristina_Pink after getting 176 rush yards against his former team on their turf 😤 pic.twitter.com/rO1GS3p1l1
— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) October 20, 2024
The heat of the game was unquestionable, with the Giants fans burning Barkley’s old Giants jersey. He said he found it “crazy” but that it wasn’t a big deal to him. Barkley remained unfazed throughout the game, dismissing the boos, the tension with former teammates, and even a slower start in the opening quarter. He even interpreted the booing as a compliment.
“When I stepped onto the field and heard the boos, I didn’t let it distract me,” Barkley explained. “I stayed focused from start to finish. There’s a reason they’re booing, and in a way, it’s actually flattering.”
Barkley undoubtedly put on a show, showcasing good sportsmanship and healthy competition. The Eagles had an amazing game, and it was clear that Barkley was not taking the win just for himself; he recognized his team as a whole for playing exceptionally well. Their practice has allowed them to seamlessly integrate more powerful runs.
Why Barkley said Goodbye to the New York Giants
Barkley signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract with Philadelphia in March, which was the contract he wanted with the New York Giants, but unfortunately, the Giants did not agree to his terms. Barkley was a die-hard Giants team member but decided to switch to Philadelphia when they agreed to the contract he was looking for. The Giants’ misstep in this decision is likely to cost them in future matchups against Philadelphia. Already, Philly has bested the Giants six out of their seven most recent games.
Because Barkley didn’t leave the Giants for any other reason than unmet contract requests, he undoubtedly wishes the team the best. He is not going to let the Giants hold him back from earning the money he deserves.