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4 reasons the Giants will shock the Eagles and move on to the NFC Championship Game

By Desmond Novack

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 24: Daniel Jones #8 and Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants speak on the field during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 24: Daniel Jones #8 and Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants speak on the field during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) looks on during warmups before a wild card game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) looks on during warmups before a wild card game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Saquon Barkley will dominate against a mediocre Eagles run defense

During the NY Giants Wild Card matchup against the Vikings, Saquon Barkley was sharp, running the ball nine times for 53 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching five passes for 56 yards. While he didn’t receive a heavy workload, this did not matter as whenever Barkley touched the ball, he made an impact.

During the regular season, the Eagles defense ranked 17th in rushing yards allowed, 15th in rushing touchdowns allowed, and ninth in rushing yards allowed per carry. While their run defense certainly isn’t bad, it isn’t good enough to have us worried about how well Barkley will play.

Even if Barkley can’t get it going in the running game, he can easily be just as impactful catching passes out of the backfield as we saw against Minnesota. Alongside the mediocre Eagles run defense, the NY Giants offensive line played incredibly well against the Vikings and gave the team things they have not had all season. If they keep this up against a much better Eagles defensive line, there are no doubts that Barkley will have a day.

Barkley has dominated for the majority of the season and it was nice to see him show out against the Vikings in his first ever playoff game. However, he can’t stop there and must have a repeat, or better game against Philadelphia.

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