EAST RUTHERFORD – Saquon Barkley, who has been a crucial part of the New York Giants’ offense for six years, took center stage once again on Sunday, but this time in the uniform of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants faced a disappointing defeat, losing 28-3 to their division rivals.
Barkley, returning to MetLife Stadium, proved to be a dominant force. He rushed for 176 yards and scored a touchdown, electrifying the game with impressive runs of 55 and 38 yards. In contrast, the Giants’ offense struggled throughout the match, with Daniel Jones showing hesitance to make plays, hampered by an offensive line that crumbled under pressure.
The Giants were without star left tackle Andrew Thomas, who is out for the season due to a recent surgery. Josh Ezeudu was plugged into the lineup, and his inexperience showed as he allowed one of the eight sacks that the Eagles recorded.
The game had been highly anticipated given Barkley’s contentious exit from the Giants after signing with the Eagles. His previous performance against the Eagles in January had helped the Giants clinch a win, but this time, his presence was met with boos from the home crowd.
Throughout the game, the Giants’ offense failed to gain traction. Jones completed 14 of 21 passes for just 99 yards before being replaced by Drew Lock in the final moments of the game. The Giants have now managed only 10 touchdowns this season, ranking among the lowest in the NFL.
With a dismal performance at home, the Giants have yet to secure a victory at MetLife this year, marking a stark contrast to their expectations. Their lackluster effort and inability to move the ball bring concerns about emotions and commitment as they face a pivotal point in the season.
As the game unfolded, the Eagles capitalized on their opportunities, with Jalen Hurts scoring on a one-yard run to extend their lead. By halftime, the score was 14-3 in favor of Philadelphia, with the Giants having only managed a field goal despite moments of potential.
Despite Barkley’s impressive return, the Giants’ struggles highlight the significant challenges they face moving forward in the season, particularly as they look towards their next matchup against the Steelers. With players dealing with injuries and an ineffective offense, the pressure is mounting on head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen to turn things around.