Saquon Barkley was hailed as “one of the greats” after the Philadelphia Eagles star overcame booing and jersey burning to defeat the New York Giants in his return to MetLife Stadium. Following the 2023 NFL season, the Giants surprisingly decided not to franchise Barkley a move that allowed the winger to become a free agent for the first time in his career. With the NFL world as his oyster, the 27-year-old and Pennsylvania native controversially signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Eagles, leaving Giants fans upset , bitter and indignant.

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Barkley spent six years with the Giants after the franchise selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite injuries, he remained one of the team’s most popular players in Tough times for Giants fans, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and impressing on the field even in a dismal 2023 season; In 14 games last season, Barkley ran 247 times for 962 yards and six touchdowns behind a loose offensive line. Before the schedule was announced, Barkley’s return to East Rutherford while representing an NFC East rival was circled. When he arrived at the Meadowlands, Giants fans burned Barkley’s old jerseys and booed him throughout the game, desperate to see Big Blue overpower their hero as a villain.

But armed with a strong offensive line, the running back was let loose with 176 yards an average of 10.4 yards per carry – and a touchdown. Jalyx Hunt, the rookie cornerback selected by the Eagles in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, scored his first career touchdown late in the game. The Philadelphia Pass-rush had an equally impressive performance as Barkley, consistently finishing with eight sacks as the unit overwhelmed the Giants’ offensive line and quarterback Daniel Jones.