The New York Giants play host to the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The game normally brings a lot of hype and attention being a long-time NFC East rivalry, but this year’s first meeting provides a new twist.
It will mark the first time the Giants will be facing their former Pro Bowl running back, Saquon Barkley, who defected down to Philly this past March via free agency.
There’s a lot of sentiment on both sides as the game approaches. His former teammates still love and respect him (as does Giants co-owner John Mara) but are not about to cut him any slack. They are all still professionals, after all.
Barkley, who has gotten off to a great start with the Eagles, told reporters this week he has no animosity and doesn’t think this is any type of revenge game for him, or the Giants.
"I don't have to prove anything to them. Whether I have 300 yards or 10 yards, as long as we win…I don't have that big of pride or ego. There's no hate over there."
Saquon Barkley talks about playing the Giants for the first time: pic.twitter.com/d8qnwmH6FA
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 16, 2024
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones said on Wednesday that he and Barkley are still close friends and have kept in touch. He was asked what Barkley has meant to him over the years.
“A lot. He’s a great teammate, a great friend, and obviously a really good player,” Jones said. “Spent a lot of time together on and off the field, and someone who helped me out a ton as I was getting into the league and through my first few years. So, I have a ton of respect and appreciation for who he is as a person.”
Jones then reminded all that the primary focus should not be on Barkley’s return but on winning a football game.
“Definitely a little different seeing him in another uniform,” Jones said. “But we’re competing this week, it’s time to go. So yeah, it’ll be different at first, but just another big divisional game.”
Asked how he thought Barkley would be greeted by fans, Jones said, “If I had to guess, probably not warmly,” but then reminded everyone of Barkley’s impact during his six seasons here with Big Blue.
“I mean he did a lot for this franchise, worked really hard, and was a great leader and teammate in this locker room. So, I think that’s important to keep in mind,” he said.
It will be strange at first but both sides know the importance of this game. The Giants are 2-4, the Eagles are 3-3. Each team needs to win to keep up the division’s newest juggernaut, the Washington Commanders.
