ThePhiladelphia Eagles absolutely dominated the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon, defeating their division rival by the score of 28-3. The defense, obviously, made life miserable for Daniel Jones and the Giants offense, racking up eight sacks on the day. Quarterback Jalen Hurts only threw for 114 yards, but he did throw one touchdown pass and ran for three more.Saquon Barkley, the former Giants star, was the biggest individual star on the day, rushing 17 times for 176 yards and a touchdown. Through seven weeks, Barkley is second in the NFL in all-purpose yards, trailing only Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens.
Of course, Barkley signing with the Eagles this offseason ruffled more than a few feathers among Giants fans. Indeed, the opportunity to play New York twice a year was a contributing factor to his decision to sign with Philadelphia.
However, while hard feelings may have led him to the Eagles, it is his leadership (along with his immense production) that are making him a fan-favorite to a base that once detested him.
Philadelphia Eagles Running Back Saquon Barkley Turns Down Chance for a Career-High to Let Young Players Play
But when head coach Nick Siriani approached him about setting a new career-high, Barkley turned down the opportunity, saying he wanted to see the younger players get an opportunity to play:
Late in the game, Siriani told Barkley that he planned to pull the starters but that he also wanted Barkley to have a chance to break 189 yards. “I’d rather see the young boys eat,” Barkley said in response.
As a result of Barkley’s selfless team-first act, Kenneth Gainwell a 2021 fifth-round pick, had one of the best games of his career, rushing 13 times for 56 yards.
Rookie running back Will Shipley, who had not gotten a carry all season long, rushed eight times for 15 yards.
For Shipley, it was a day that he will not soon forget. While he has played special teams and returned a few kicks, very few memories will touch his first carry in NFL.
