EAST RUTHERFORD – Throughout Saquon Barkley’s six-year tenure with the New York Giants, there were numerous instances where he was perceived as the focal point of the offense and the team’s primary scoring threat.
This narrative took a different turn on Sunday, as Barkley donned the green of the Philadelphia Eagles during a homecoming at MetLife Stadium. By the fourth quarter, the Eagles turned the game into a rout, with the Giants, led by Daniel Jones, struggling throughout in a 28-3 defeat. Despite the return of Malik Nabers, the Giants’ offense seemed incapable of finding any rhythm.
Jones’s hesitance to throw the ball was notable, likely exacerbated by a disintegrating offensive line, which was missing star left tackle Andrew Thomas due to season-ending surgery for a Lisfranc injury. Josh Ezeudu filled in for Thomas and quickly allowed the Eagles to record the first of their eight sacks on the opening drive.
This matchup had been highly anticipated ever since Barkley’s departure from the Giants for a free-agent contract with the Eagles. His last appearance in this rivalry came in January during the 2023 season finale, where he played a key role in helping the Giants secure a victory over the Eagles.
Barkley’s exit and subsequent move to Philadelphia garnered significant media attention, particularly after Giants co-owner John Mara expressed his concerns about the potential fallout of Barkley joining a rival team. Nevertheless, the Giants opted not to re-sign Barkley based on analyses concerning running back positional value, age, and performance trends.
Sunday’s game showcased the stark contrast in the fortunes of the two franchises, as Barkley faced a chorus of boos from the home crowd every time he touched the ball. However, he responded effectively, finishing with 176 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, including a remarkable 55-yard and a 38-yard run.
The Giants (2-5) substitute quarterback Drew Lock replaced Jones for the remainder of the game. Jones completed 14 of 21 passes for only 99 yards, raising questions about whether Giants coach Brian Daboll will consider a quarterback switch for their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Giants’ offense has struggled significantly, averaging just 14.14 points per game and scoring the third fewest touchdowns in the NFL this season. They have yet to win a home game and managed to score only one touchdown at MetLife Stadium so far.
The fourth quarter displayed a lackadaisical performance from the Giants, highlighting issues often seen in struggling teams—such as an absence of effort and emotion. Alongside Jones sitting on the bench, the team failed to utilize rookie Malik Nabers in the second half. Key players like Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns appeared to be nursing injuries, and with Thomas out for the season and Kayvon Thibodeaux on injured reserve, the Giants were visibly hampered.
Barkley’s outstanding performance served as a reminder of the talent that compelled the Giants to draft him second overall. This moment marked a critical turning point in the season for Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen as they reassess the team’s direction.
In summary, the game saw the Eagles pull ahead decisively, with the Giants continuing to grapple with offensive inefficiency and mounting pressure as they look ahead in the season.