Saquon Barkley is making the most of his return to Pennsylvania.
The former Penn State star and current Philadelphia Eagles running back was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday following a dominant performance against his former team, the New York Giants.
Was there ever a doubt 😏@saquon has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the week for the 2nd time this season! pic.twitter.com/SwaFwdjk7Q
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 23, 2024
Barkley made a large portion of the Penn State community happy in a 28-3 victory in New York, rushing for 176 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown. Barkley averaged over 10 yards per carry and caught two passes despite not playing late in the game due to the score.
The two-time Pro Bowl selection signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Eagles to stay in the NFC East, but with Philadelphia’s arch-rival roughly 90 miles away.
He’s rushed for 658 yards – an outstanding 6.1 yards per carry – and five touchdowns behind the Eagles veteran offensive line as the Eagles have won four of their first six games.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Barkley’s playing so well that he’s breaking his own records. His 761 scrimmage yards are the most by a player with his new team since Barkley’s rookie season with the Giants in 2018 after being selected second overall.
Known as an incredible teammate, Barkley opted to give rookie Will Shipley carries in the 4th quarter despite being 13 yards shy of his career high.
Saquon Barkley wanted the young guys to play instead of going for his record. What a teammate. @saquon | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/tJi8waO7MY
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 21, 2024
“Are you sure?” head coach Nick Sirianni asked Barkley. “You’re good; let them eat. I promise. I’d rather see the young boys eat.”
Barkley gave his coach a fist bump and gave way for Shipley to receive eight total carries for 15 yards. Kenneth Gainwell also rushed 13 times for 56 yards. Barkley and the Eagles hit the road to face Joe Burrow and the Bengals on Sunday at 1 p.m. on CBS.
