The Philadelphia Eagles entered Thursday night trying to further their lead in the NFC East standings. Taking on the second place Washington Commanders in what was sure to be a highly competitive matchup. The game started slow for the Philadelphia offense, but they would quickly shift gears in fourth quarter.
Star running back Saquon Barkley would put together another great performance for the season. Barkley rushed for a total of 146 yards and two long touchdowns in the fourth quarter, to lift the Eagles to victory over the Commanders. This win puts Philadelphia in sole possession of first place in the NFC East and in strong contention for the number one seed in the NFC. The Philly defense played a big role in this game as well, limiting one of the most efficient offenses this season. Washington’s rookie passer Jayden Daniels was held to just 191 passing yards and one touchdown pass, while being picked off by safety Reed Blankenship once.
Eagles Fans Thank the Giants

After the game was over, Barkley would make his way to the post-game show to be interviewed. What followed is something I don’t think anyone could have guessed they would ever in a million years hear echoing around Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia faithful began chanting “Thank you, Giants”. Referencing how New York GM Joe Schoen decided to pay quarterback Daniel Jones instead of Barkley, and let the talented running back walk out the door and right into an Eagles uniform.
Barkley was drafted by New York with the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Coming out of Penn State, Barkley was looked at as one of the best running back prospects the NFL had seen in recent memory. Not only leading his position group but being one of the top prospects in the entire draft class. The former Penn State star would play six seasons in New York, tallying for over 7,000 total yards and 42 touchdowns. Barkley would be one of the best to ever suit up for the New York Giants. Yet, they let him go and sign in Philadelphia on a three-year deal worth 37.75M.
Barkley’s Career Year

Since coming to Philadelphia, Saquon Barkley has done nothing but produce video game like stats and memorable moments. The former second overall pick is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career and it’s far from over. So far in the 2024 season, Barkley has rushed for 1,137 yards and eight touchdowns. Averaging 5.8 yards per carry, which is well above the league average. Barkley has also added 210 receiving yards and another two touchdowns through the air.
The addition of Barkley has benefited Eagles QB Jalen Hurts more than some people realize. The ability to lean on the run game so heavily in some games takes a great deal of pressure off the young signal caller’s shoulders. This addition has also given Hurts another weapon to use out of the backfield. Barkley has proven he can be a lethal pass catcher anywhere on the field and in space.
The MVP conversation has come up surrounding the 28-year-old back, although Barkley is very deserving of being in that conversation the award tends to go to a quarterback. We are certainly looking at a top contender for Offensive Player of the Year though, rivaling fellow running back Derrick Henry for the award.

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