PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was mic'd up for his return to MetLife Stadium Sunday to face the New York Giants , and captured was his conversation with coach Nick Sirianni early in the fourth quarter about whether Barkley wanted to stay in and chase his personal best for rushing yards in a single game (189). "You're 13 yards away from your career high. I would love for you to get that.
But that's up to you," Sirianni said. "It's all good," Barkley replied. "I'd rather see the young boys eat.
" Saquon Barkley wanted the young guys to play instead of going for his record. What a teammate. @saquon | #FlyEaglesFly pic.
twitter.com/tJi8waO7MY Much of the attention since that clip came out has been on Barkley's selflessness and team-first mentality, which is certainly worth highlighting. But the fact that the Eagles even had the luxury to pull their starters during a 28-3 romp over New York is a pretty big deal itself.
It had been almost a full calendar year since Philadelphia had won a game by double-digits, coming in a 31-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins on October 22, 2023. A highly talented offense largely sputtered from there, aiding in the 1-6 collapse down the stretch. Some of the same issues that bit them in '23 -- like untimely turnovers and a boom-or-bust passing attack -- spilled over into this season.
Players and coaches alike spoke about the need to discover an identity as they entered their Week 5 bye with a 2-2 mark. It appears they have found o.
