It would take a while for New York Giants fans to accept that running back Saquon Barkley isn’t with their beloved team. Worst yet, he showed those fans what they’re missing during his debut for their hated rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite playing football in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Barkley felt at home with a strong output against the Green Bay Packers. Barkley had 24 carries for 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He scored his first rushing touchdown for the Eagles via an 11-yard run at the 5:34 mark of the second quarter.
Meanwhile, his two-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter helped the Eagles seal their season-opening victory. Barkley’s first-ever touchdown for Philadelphia was an 18-yard catch from Jalen Hurts at the 12:38 mark of the second quarter.
The Eagles needed Barkley’s production to edge the Packers 34-29. Barkley’s second touchdown run proved to be the winning play for Philadelphia because the Packers managed only one field goal conversion in the fourth quarter.
While the five-point margin highlights a closely fought game, Barkley punished the Packers with 132 total yards, and his performance translated to 33.2 fantasy football points in points-per-reception (PPR) mode.
As for other Eagles players, A.J. Brown led their receivers with five receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown. DeVonta Smith had seven catches for 84 yards, while Jalen Hurts had 20 completions for 278 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
With a win against the Atlanta Falcons on September 16, the Eagles can make it 2-0 to start the season.
-Lance Fernandez

