It didn’t take long for Saquon Barkley to make a lasting impression in his first season with the Eagles, and his three-touchdown performance in their opening win over the Packers impressed the former Giants running back’s new teammates.
Barkley amassed 109 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while catching two more passes for 23 yards and a touchdown in their 34-29 win in Brazil, and Will Shipley called Barkley’s performance “incredible,” according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.
“I’m sitting here and just smiling because he’s so special,” Shipley, a running back, said, according to the outlet. “I’ve seen him do that all through camp and OTAs and all that good stuff, but for him to go out there and see it in person. He shined tonight. I was really happy for him. He works his ass off, so nobody deserves it more.”
Barkley signed a three-year deal with the Eagles on the first day of free agency in March, ending a six-year tenure with the Giants that was undoubtedly successful – he eclipsed 1,000 yards in three of his seasons – but also brought a somewhat bitter ending with contract negotiations, the franchise tag and, ultimately, a one-year deal for the 2023 season.
So he went to the Eagles and the Giants traded for Devin Singletary, but the topic remained a major theme throughout the offseason — most notably on “Hard Knocks,” which detailed conversations between general manager Joe Schoen, owner John Mara, Barkley and others about the impending decision regarding their franchise’s cornerstone — and will carry over into their first regular season on Oct. 20.
“He’s one of the guys I’ve obviously watched from afar in New York,” offensive lineman Lane Johnson told NBC Sports Philadelphia, “and I never thought he would be here.”
Barkley scored his first touchdown early in the second quarter, capping an 18-yard pass with a run into the end zone. He scored another rushing touchdown later in the period.
Then, late in the third quarter, Barkley scored the Eagles’ final touchdown of the game from two yards out, giving them the lead for good.
“I know he’s a great player,” Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts told reporters. “He played a heck of a game tonight. It’s exciting to watch him play. I’m glad he’s on our side. We’re just going to keep pushing forward. But what a debut for him.”
Barkley and the Eagles will next host the Falcons on September 16.
