It didn’t take long for Saquon Barkley to make a significant impact in his first season with the Eagles, and his three-touchdown performance in their season-opening win against the Packers impressed the ex-Giants running back’s new teammates.
Barkley collected 109 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while catching another two passes for 23 yards and a touchdown in their 34-29 victory in Brazil, and Will Shipley described Barkley’s performance as “unbelievable,” according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.
“I sit here just smiling because of how special he is,” Shipley, a running back, said, according to the outlet. “I’ve seen him do it throughout 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 butt 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 Giants tenure that was certainly successful — he topped 1,000 yards in three of his seasons — but also included a bit of a sour ending with contract negotiations, the franchise tag and eventually a one-year deal for the 2023 season.
So he went to the Eagles and the Giants pivoted to Devin Singletary, but it remained a major storyline throughout the offseason — especially on “Hard Knocks,” which detailed conversations involving general manager Joe Schoen, owner John Mara, Barkley and others regarding the looming decision with their franchise cornerstone — and will carry over into their first regular-season on Oct. 20.
“He’s one of those guys that I’ve watched from afar, obviously, with New York,” offensive lineman Lane Johnson told NBC Sports Philadelphia, “and never thought he’d be here.”
Barkley recorded his first touchdown early in the second quarter, when he capped an 18-yard completion by getting to the end zone, and he added another rushing touchdown later in the frame.
Then, late in the third quarter, Barkley ran the ball in from two yards out for the Eagles’ final touchdown of the game — giving them the lead back for good.
“I know he’s a great player,” Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts told reporters. “He had a hell of a game tonight. It’s exciting to watch him play. I’m happy that he’s on our side. Just going to keep pressing forward. But what a debut for him.”
Barkley and the Eagles will next host the Falcons on Sept. 16.
