Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley has yet to come near reaching the historic heights of his 2024 campaign. Several factors have contributed to his slow start in 2025, though it's nothing a good ol' revenge game can't fix.
Fortunately, for Barkley and the Eagles, a Thursday Night Football date with the New York Football Giants is on tap for Week 6. This matchup comes nearly a year following his inaugural return to MetLife Stadium for the first time since joining Philadelphia. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year went berserk against his former squad to the tune of 187 scrimmage yards and a touchdown.
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Conversely, Giants fans are understandably still scarred from Barkley's outburst against them after a well-chronicled breakup and dreading the upcoming encore. And apparently, so is Dexter Lawrence, who isn't letting his ex-teammate's mini slump fool him and set New York up for embarrassment -- again.
Dexter Lawrence knows Giants can't let Eagles' Saquon Barkley break out of early 2025 struggles
Lawrence indicated he and the Giants aren't taking Barkley lightly when addressing the media ahead of their clash with Philadelphia. The game-wrecking defensive tackle and his comrades know from firsthand experience that they're facing a special talent. New York must handle business regardless of what the box score says, or risk having another pie thrown in its face.
"Could be [because] teams [are] scheming for [Barkley]," Lawrence told reporters when asked what he thinks has led to Barkley's struggles. "It happens, but you don't want to be the team to let him get hot."
Perhaps opponents are more deliberately trying to stop Barkley and daring Eagles franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts to beat them with his arm, as Lawrence suggested. Or maybe the physical toll of racking up nearly 500 touches last year is catching up to a 28-year-old tailback who turns 29 in February. Philly's offense has also notably been in a well-chronicled rut, and the vibes have been ... off, to say the least.
Nevertheless, in Lawrence's eyes, none of that matters. The two-time All-Pro understands the G-Men must "stay disciplined" and "go win." Barkley's like a power hitter in baseball or a sharpshooter in basketball: all he needs is to see one go over the fence/through the hoop.