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Saquon Barkley’s teammates were impressed with his Eagles debut
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Saquon Barkley’s teammates were impressed with his Eagles debut

It didn’t take long for Saquon Barkley to make a big impact in his first season with the Eagles. His three-touchdown performance in their season opener against the Packers impressed the former Giants running back’s new teammates.

Barkley racked up 109 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while catching another two passes for 23 yards and a touchdown in their 34-29 win in Brazil, and Will Shipley described Barkley’s performance as “unbelievable,” according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.

“I’m just sitting here smiling because he’s so special,” Shipley, a running back, said, according to the outlet. “I’ve seen him do it in camp and OTAs and all that 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.”


Saquon Barkley scored three touchdowns in the Eagles' win over the Packers on September 6.
Saquon Barkley scored three touchdowns in the Eagles’ win over the Packers on September 6. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Barkley signed a three-year deal with the Eagles on the first day of free agency in March, ending a six-year stint with the Giants that was certainly successful — he eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in three of his seasons — but also had a somewhat sour ending that involved contract negotiations, the franchise tag and ultimately a one-year deal for the 2023 season.

So he went to the Eagles and the Giants moved on to Devin Singletary, but it remained a major story throughout the offseason — particularly on “Hard Knocks,” which chronicled conversations with general manager Joe Schoen, owner John Mara, Barkley and others about the looming decision involving their franchise cornerstone — and will carry over into their first regular-season game 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 scored his first touchdown early in the second quarter, when he capped an 18-yard completion by reaching the end zone. He added another rushing touchdown later in the quarter.

Late in the third quarter, Barkley ran the ball from two yards out for the Eagles’ final touchdown of the game, giving them the lead for good.


Saquon Barkley had over 100 yards on the ground and scored three touchdowns in his Eagles debut.
Saquon Barkley had over 100 yards on the ground and scored three touchdowns in his Eagles debut. AP

“I know he’s a great player,” Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts told reporters. “He had a great game tonight. It’s exciting to watch him play. I’m glad he’s on our side. I’m just going to keep pushing. But what a debut for him.”

Barkley and the Eagles next play the Falcons on September 16.