For the last two months, every Philadelphia Eagles fan, including their mothers, aunts, cousins, and everyone, was trying to figure out why running back Saquon Barkley was struggling in the backfield. Those weekly questions were put to an end with one run against the New York Giants in Week 8.
On the second play of the game, in something we haven't seen since the NFC Championship game win over the Washington Commanders, Barkley took a handoff and ran to the left side of the offensive line and found a beautiful hole. 65 yards later, Eagles fans rejoice by celebrating with Barkley on his touchdown run.
That set the tone for the rest of the game of what kind of game the Giants were in for against their old starting running back. Barkley finished with 14 carries for 150 yards and one touchdown run. He also caught four passes for 24 yards and a second-quarter touchdown catch as the Eagles picked up a convincing 38-20 win over the Giants.
Barkley was every single Eagles fan after the game
Reporters were quick to storm right to Barkley's locker to talk to him after having by far the best game of the season. The 2024 Offensive Player of the Year couldn't help but echo the words every Eagles fan screamed after the first touchdown.
"I would be lying to you if I said I wasn’t like, ‘finally’."
Before the Giants game, Barkley's best game of the year was 88 yards on the ground against the Kansas City Chiefs back in Week 2. After racking up his first 100-yard game, he also got himself to sneak in 10th in the NFL in rushing yards with 519. A telling sign that Barkley has put his name back in the conversation for the rushing title.
The combination of Jalen Hurts' running plays from under center and Fred Johnson coming off the bench as another lineman helped spark the running game. Also, Tank Bigsby helping out with his own 104-yard performance helped give the Eagles their best day on the ground all season with 276 yards rushing.
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There are a ton of relieved Eagles fans in Philly, but Barkley might be the most relieved as the pressure is now off his back after months of struggles.