Running back Saquon Barkley is preparing to face his former team, the New York Giants, at MetLife Stadium for the second consecutive year. Last season, Barkley’s return was a major story in the NFL, but he says the emotional aspect has faded.
“I think the emotions are probably gone,” Barkley said. “I said that last year, that I really didn’t know what to expect being in that environment and seeing everyone back there. I’m a year removed from it now and it is what it is. I’m just focused on getting back on track and getting a big win in the NFC East.”
Barkley mentioned that he had an important conversation with quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown earlier in the week. “The focus was all about the team. It was a good thing,” he said.
Despite being listed on this week’s injury report due to knee soreness following Sunday’s game, Barkley confirmed he will play Thursday night against the Giants. He described his injury as “general soreness” and stated he is ready for the game.
Barkley emphasized consistency as key for improving offensive performance: “We’ve just got to have more halves where we play at a high level,” Barkley said. “We’ve just got to be better. We have to find a way to be more consistent, and that starts with our detail and making a play work.”
On Tuesday, which was media access day during a short week of preparation, Barkley remained a central figure in the Eagles’ locker room as they prepare for a divisional matchup against a Giants team also looking to recover after losing to New Orleans on Sunday.
Defensive end Jalyx Hunt discussed preparing for Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, who poses a challenge with his mobility. “I feel like almost every quarterback can break out of the pocket. That’s what the league is all about,” Hunt said. “Jaxson can definitely do that. That’s part of the offense they run. He will do it from nothing and he can run off a designed play.
“He’s giving them a spark and that is exciting for them. He is agile, he can move, and they all believe in him. So that’s what we’re looking at. We have to make sure he doesn’t get loose, but we also need to pressure him.”
Running back A.J. Dillon noted both challenges and benefits of playing on Thursday nights after a Sunday game: “You get a little mini-bye weekend on the other side and that is helpful,” Dillon said. “Of course, the focus is on the game on Thursday and preparing for that, but we will all get through it and take advantage of a few days of downtime after that.”
Dillon added that while Philadelphia holds a 4-1 record this season, their offensive play has not yet met expectations: “Ups and down in a season, that’s the way it is for every team,” Dillon said. “We have what it takes to play our best football. We just have to keep working at it… The good news is that we’ve won four games and know we haven’t played our best football.”
Linebacker Zack Baun spoke about his preparation ahead of Thursday’s contest: “Body feels good. Mind is great and I like the short turnaround for a Thursday game… We aren’t looking back. Not at all. All eyes on the Giants.” Baun noted changes within New York’s offense with new players taking different roles under center.
Cornerback Kelee Ringo highlighted the importance of divisional games regardless of standings or circumstances: “Always the biggest games because we have to win in our division,” Ringo said.
Reflecting on last week’s defensive struggles against Denver—where Philadelphia allowed 21 points—Ringo expressed eagerness for improvement: “Give credit to Denver, but we didn’t play our best football… There are some things I need to clean up. That’s my focus.”
