Big Game Barkley comes up big for the Eagles again: “This is what you dream about.” In the challenging chapters of his NFL journey, particularly with the New York Giants, Saquon Barkley maintained an unwavering belief in his abilities. He envisioned that with the right circumstances, stage, and teammates, he could achieve greatness.
“There are so many variables that go into it,” Barkley shared on Sunday evening. “The coaching, the scheme, the offensive line… I’d be crazy not to give them a shoutout. During those tough times, I never lost faith.”
His steadfast belief and resilience have culminated in a remarkable moment this season. Barkley set a Philadelphia Eagles franchise postseason record by rushing for 205 yards, complemented by two expertly timed touchdown runs. In challenging blizzard-like conditions, he led the Eagles to a 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Next Sunday, in his inaugural season with the Eagles, Barkley will compete in his first NFC Championship Game, just one win away from the Super Bowl and the realization of his aspirations.
“It feels amazing,” Barkley said after braving the cold. “This is the reason why I came here. My family and I evaluated the pros and cons, and we believed this was the best opportunity to play in games like this.”
His previous season in 2022 was a glimmer of hope, leading the team to a 9-7-1 record and two playoff games. However, he was not the focal point of the offense then. His postseason experience was limited to 18 carries for 114 yards across two games, a disappointing showcase for such a dynamic player.
This time, the narrative is different. Barkley has become the cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense, a vital asset in their strategic arsenal. His impressive performance of 2,005 rushing yards over 16 games this season has solidified his status as a player to build around.
“It was probably the first week he got here,” Eagles guard Landon Dickerson recalled. “We weren’t even in pads or helmets, just T-shirts. But watching him run and cut, I realized, ‘Oh wow, this guy’s for real.’
Barkley’s ability to shine in critical moments became evident. He electrified the Eagles’ offense with a 62-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and later added a 78-yard touchdown that extended their lead late in the game.
Despite the Eagles’ near slip-up, allowing the Rams to threaten a comeback, a crucial sack by Jalen Carter sealed the victory. However, Carter’s moment of glory was made possible by Barkley’s dominant performance, where he accounted for two-thirds of the Eagles’ total offense — 232 yards out of 350.
As the weather conditions worsened, it became clear that the passing game was faltering. Barkley stepped up, proving to be the perfect weapon on a day when the odds seemed stacked against the Eagles.
“Given the conditions, or not, it doesn’t matter,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni stated. “It’s a luxury to have him, that’s for sure. He’s special.”
Dickerson emphasized, “He has an X-factor in these games. He can break one loose at any time. When he finds that little crease, he doesn’t need much. And when he does, it’s a home run.”
Signing Barkley has proven to be a significant win for the Eagles throughout the season. Despite ongoing discussions about the value of running backs in the NFL, his three-year, $37.5 million contract, with $26 million guaranteed, has emerged as one of the best investments of the year.
Barkley’s consistent performance stems from his relentless work ethic. He actively seeks greatness in pivotal moments, embracing pressure and challenges. Prior to this game, he researched the Eagles’ postseason rushing record, knowing it stood at 196 yards, set by Steve Van Buren in 1949.
This information was not merely a statistic; it became a personal goal for him.
“Sometimes you chase greatness,” Barkley remarked. “You want to create a legacy. I wanted to have one of those types of games.”
He achieved that goal, and now he seeks another. He aims to be the key player his team relies on next Sunday against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, where a trip to the Super Bowl is at stake. While he will take the win regardless, he embraces the responsibility that comes with being a standout player.
Barkley believes this is why he is here, on this team, at this pivotal moment. He is confident that his career path, which led the Giants to overlook him, was destined for the star-studded Philadelphia Eagles.
With every opportunity, he is determined not to let his team down.
“This is what you dream about,” Barkley stated. “This is why I came to Philly. I wanted to be part of games like this.”