Saquon Barkley continues to prove he’s the perfect fit for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense.
The running back delivered a performance that has Eagles fans buzzing, tallying 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 26-18 victory over the Washington Commanders. The win, which marked the Eagles’ sixth consecutive victory, extended their NFC East lead and showcased Barkley’s ability to take over a game when his team needs him most.
Barkley’s first touchdown came just five plays after the Eagles defense made a pivotal stand. With Washington pushing to capitalize on a questionable play call, Barkley took the ball 23 yards to the end zone for the go-ahead score. Not done yet, Barkley sprinted for another touchdown late in the fourth quarter, this time from 39 yards out, sealing the win for Philadelphia.
In his postgame interview with NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo, Barkley reflected on the significance of the win. “I love it here,” Barkley said, sharing his appreciation for the city and the culture. “But most importantly, we got the win. There’s a lot of stuff we can clean up. I can be better at a lot, too, but at the end of the day, NFC East divisional rival opponent, come in here on Thursday night and get a win, it’s big time.”
Barkley’s 198 total scrimmage yards—146 on the ground and 52 through the air—propelled the Eagles (8-2) to another crucial victory. His explosive performance not only helped Philadelphia maintain its dominance in the NFC East but also underscored his role as one of the league’s premier running backs. The win against Washington put the Eagles comfortably ahead of the Commanders (7-4) in the division standings.
“It’s huge to get this one, keep the streak going,” Barkley added after the game. “We’re in a good routine right now. And like I said, against an NFC East division rival is always big. We know we’re gonna see these guys again. We’ve still got a lot to clean up and have a little short bye week and get ready for next week.”
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This performance is just the latest in a string of strong outings for Barkley in his first season with Philadelphia. On Thursday, he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the fourth time in his career and the first time since his Pro Bowl season with the New York Giants in 2022. However, this time, he did so in record time. According to NFL Research, Barkley has never reached the 1,000-yard mark this quickly in any of his previous seasons.
Barkley now leads the NFL with 1,137 rushing yards and 1,347 scrimmage yards, along with 10 total touchdowns and a remarkable 5.77 yards per carry average. His six 100-yard rushing games this season are the most in the league, and his three games with 140 or more rushing yards are as many as the Giants as a team have managed in 2024.
Social media has been abuzz with chatter about Barkley’s decision to sign with the Eagles, particularly with the Giants now left to ponder what could have been. After Thursday’s game, Eagles fans were quick to chant, “Thank you, Giants!” as Barkley stood on stage for his postgame interview. While the Giants have certainly felt the sting of losing their star back to a division rival, Barkley has found a perfect home in Philadelphia, and the fit couldn’t be more seamless.
Barkley’s success has been fueled by the Eagles’ offensive line, which has arguably been the best he’s ever had. The line’s ability to open up gaping holes and create running lanes has allowed Barkley to thrive in a way he couldn’t with the Giants in recent years. Head coach Nick Sirianni gave credit where it was due, noting the impact of both Barkley and his offensive line. “Obviously, Saquon’s gonna get all the credit for that, but you can’t be great without the greatness of others,” Sirianni said. “Saquon was great tonight, but that offensive line was really good.”
Barkley’s impact was especially evident in the third quarter, when the Eagles’ offense was sputtering. Washington had just failed on a fourth-down attempt deep in Philadelphia territory, giving the Eagles an unexpected opportunity. After that crucial defensive stand, Barkley took advantage of the momentum, hitting the hole with blistering speed. According to Next Gen Stats, Barkley reached a top speed of 20.78 mph on his 23-yard touchdown run, a testament to his acceleration and agility.
The Eagles wasted little time capitalizing on the Commanders’ misstep. On the very next play from scrimmage, Barkley took a pitch to the right, then cut back to the left, running untouched for another 39-yard touchdown. His two big runs ignited a sluggish Eagles offense, giving them the cushion they needed to secure the win. Barkley’s ability to seize those critical moments is what makes him such a dangerous player—whether it’s on the ground, through the air, or simply changing the tempo of a game.
This season marks just the first year of Barkley’s three-year contract with the Eagles, and if this game is any indication, his time in Philadelphia could be his best yet. From his dominant performance in the season opener in Brazil, where he rushed for 109 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Green Bay Packers, to his latest prime-time heroics, Barkley is quickly proving to be one of the best signings of the offseason.
At 8-2, the Eagles are firmly entrenched as one of the top teams in the NFC, and Barkley has been a key contributor to that success. As he continues to build chemistry with his new team and adjust to life in Philadelphia, it’s clear that the Eagles have found a dynamic weapon in their backfield.
Barkley’s performance on Thursday night serves as yet another reminder of the immense talent he brings to the table and how much he’s embraced his role within the Eagles’ system. Whether it’s scoring touchdowns, racking up rushing yards, or changing the game with a big play, Barkley is proving that his decision to join the Eagles was a win-win for both him and his new team. The road ahead looks bright for both Barkley and the Eagles, who are poised for another deep playoff run with their star running back leading the charge.
