Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley showed the New York Giants what they were missing in a dismantling on Sunday as he rushed for 176 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown.
But he could‘ve finished with even more damage to the Giants’ ledger, except that he chose team over personal accolades.
A video released by the Eagles on Monday showed in-game footage of Eagles coach Nick Sirianni and Barkley chatting on the bench late in the 28-3 win. Sirianni gave Barkley the option to set a new career mark. Here’s how it went down:
Sirianni: “You‘re 13 yards away from your career high. I would love you to get that but that’s up to you. I do.”
Barkley: “It’s all good.”
Sirianni: “I‘m gonna take out all the starters if they don’t score.’
Barkley: “I’m good. Let them eat.”
Sirianni: “Are you sure?”
Barkley: “Yep. I promise,” as the two fist-bumped.
Sirianni: “Listen to me. I want you to do it if you want to do it.”
Barkley: “I’d rather see the young boys eat.”
Barkley set his personal record Dec. 22, 2019, in the Giants’ 41-35 win over Washington. He tallied 189 yards on the ground with a touchdown, along with 90 yards receiving and a TD.
On Sunday, Barkley’s last touch came with 2:32 remaining in the third quarter and Philadelphia leading 28-3. The rout allowed him to play a season-low 53% of the offensive snaps. In the following drives, the Eagles turned to Kenneth Gainwell (13 carries, 56 yards) and Will Sihpley (eight carries, 15 yards) to close out the game.
The 26-year-old‘s 176 yards rushing were the 11th most in a game by an Eagles running back; LeSean McCoy has the record with 217 in 213. During Barkley’s impressive day, he ran for a 55-yarder and added a touchdown to 11 yards receiving.
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