Saquon Barkley, running back for the New York Giants, has stirred conversation about the Philadelphia Eagles’ place in NFL history, boldly claiming that the 2024 Eagles should be considered among the top five teams of all time. During an appearance on the “Exciting Mics” podcast, hosted by Eagles players Reed Blankenship and Cooper DeJean, Barkley outlined his reasoning. He noted the Eagles’ incredible performance last season, where they transitioned from a 2-2 start to winning 16 of their subsequent 17 games, culminating in a decisive Super Bowl victory. Their impressive point differential of +160 was highlighted as greater than that of several recent Super Bowl champions.
While Barkley’s assertion excited fans, debate remains about the Eagles’ actual ranking among historical teams. A CBS Sports piece argued that while the Eagles have shown remarkable skill, they might more realistically fit within the range of the 10th to 20th position all-time. Historical comparisons, including legendary teams such as the 1966 Green Bay Packers and the 1985 Chicago Bears, suggest that the Eagles’ recent success may be subject to the bias of recency as they also face strong competition from established greats across different eras of the game.
In addition to Barkley’s comments, he recently expressed his views on the ongoing debate surrounding the NFL’s “tush push” offensive play, which has garnered criticism from some circles. Barkley described the attempts to ban the play as “soft” and expressed confidence in the Eagles’ execution, attributing part of their success to the strength of their players and their robust offensive line.
Moreover, the Eagles are generating excitement beyond the field with fan merchandise celebrating their Super Bowl win and the successful retention of the “tush push” play. Sales of a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Push On” have taken off, reflecting the fans’ enthusiasm following a failed ban on the play.
Additionally, Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean is taking unique steps to enhance his performance as he recovers from a knee injury, incorporating ballet into his rehabilitation. This unconventional approach aims to improve his flexibility and agility as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Overall, the chatter around the Eagles showcases a blend of pride in their recent accomplishments, as well as some skepticism about their historical standing. As the team continues to prepare for the challenges ahead, their fanbase remains supportive and optimistic about what the future holds.