We've seen 17 regular-season games to provide evidence, and we still can't believe our eyes sometimes. Saquon Barkley is one of us! Saquon Barkley wears the Number 26 jersey for the Philadelphia Eagles! And, after a phenomenal first season, one where he joined the NFL's 2,000-yard club as its ninth member, we wonder where he'd already rank historically had he played here for his entire career.
Can you imagine? We'd like to again thank the New York Giants for their service.
Saquon cashed in, earning another $750,000 by virtue of leading the NFL in rushing yards and earning a spot on the Pro Bowl roster. He also found his way onto a 2K club of a different sort. He's one of only four NFL stars to amass 2,000 all-purpose yards as a member of two different franchises.
We'll say it again. Saquon is an Eagle! And, on Sunday, he suits up for his first postseason appearance. What's he expecting? Heck, why don't we ask him?
Saquon Barkley is in for a pleasant surprise when he steps on the field to play in his first postseason game as a member of the Eagles roster.
Saquon Barkley has NEVER played in an NFL postseason game. Let that sink in for a second. It seems like a waste doesn't it? Well, how about this? Let's just hope he and the Eagles make it memorable.
How cool is it that he gets to do so in one of the most electric atmospheres? Lincoln Financial Field provides the backdrop.
Some say The Linc isn't as rowdy as Veteran's Stadium was. There is probably some truth to that, but trust is on this. Birds fans are certainly going to bring the thunder and lightning with them. Philly media members were allowed access to players in the locker room after Thursday afternoon's practice.
Understandably, he isn't quite sure what to expect.
“The home games here are electric. It’s out of this world.”
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 9, 2025
-Saquon Barkley is preparing for his first NFL home playoff game and first playoff game with the Eagles. And he can’t imagine how Eagles fans can take it to yet another level in the postseason pic.twitter.com/PPVUh8YvJ6
To Saquon's comment that "this might sound bad", we offer the following response. Don't worry about any of that Mr. Barkley. No offense is taken. Respectfully, however, we also advise that you and all those unfamiliar to buckle up. You're in for an experience that is unlike any other.
Something tells us he spent time watching the Birds in previous NFL postseasons. That's a nice tune-up, but it probably isn't enough. We all know game days at The Linc are different in person than on television. Perhaps the great Merrill Reese said it best.
Merrill described the atmosphere of the first playoff game played under Andy Reid by stating the following. "To this day, that's the loudest crowd I ever heard at an Eagles game. They simply blew the lights out of that place".
Now, the game Merrill references was a New Year's Eve Wild Card tussle vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That was played at The Vet, but even though the home address changed in August, 2003, something tells us this will be the same kind of feel as the old days.
You saw how things ended last January. This time around, it's Super Bowl or bust. The Green Bay Packers are a worthy opponent, but they're in for a long Sunday afternoon.
As for Saquon, he's cool now. He's one of us. He's one of the good guys, and that's a good thing because come Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. EST, it's about to get intense.
Yes, Mr. Barkley, Philly's fans can turn the intensity up a notch, and they will. The visiting Packers and any of their fans who plan on attending the proceedings will feel like they are under attack.