The New York Giants’ decision to let Saquon Barkley walk in free agency looked questionable when it happened. Now, as Barkley rewrites the record books in Philadelphia, it’s downright laughable. While the Giants sink to an embarrassing 2-9 after a 30-7 loss to Tampa Bay, their former superstar is leading the Eagles to a 9-2 record and making an MVP case that feels like a personal vendetta against his old team.
Let’s clarify one point: Barkley’s dominance is not only a challenge for the Giants; it highlights organizational incompetence.
The Giants are trotting out a backfield committee that musters 76 rushing yards in a game while Barkley just set Eagles franchise records with 255 rushing yards and 302 scrimmage yards in a single outing. Imagine letting that guy leave, only to watch him demolish your division while you flounder in irrelevance.
Saquon Barkley's season in Philly is nothing short of amazing
The numbers don’t lie, and they’re a brutal indictment of the Giants’ decision-making.
Barkley’s performance in Philadelphia isn’t just about a change of scenery. It’s about a player unleashed in an offense that knows how to use him. In his last two games, Barkley has piled up 500 scrimmage yards, joining Hall-of-Famers Walter Payton and Ollie Matson as the only players in NFL history to achieve that feat.
He also became the sixth player ever to score multiple 70+ yard rushing touchdowns in a single game. And how could we forget? His 1,649 scrimmage yards through 11 games trail Eric Dickerson and Dickerson alone. Impressive company across the board.
More on Saquon Barkley, who set Eagles’ franchise single-game records in both rushing yards (255) and scrimmage yards (302):
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 25, 2024
🏈Barkley has 500 scrimmage yards over the last two games, joining Hall-of-Famers Walter Payton (1977) and Ollie Matson (1954) as the only players in NFL… pic.twitter.com/E51eGBmvWo
Meanwhile, in New York, the rushing stats against the Buccaneers speak for themselves:
- Tyrone Tracy Jr.: 9 carries, 42 yards (4.7 avg)
- Tommy DeVito: 7 carries, 32 yards (4.6 avg)
- Devin Singletary: 2 carries, 3 yards (1.5 avg)
The Giants’ attack totaled 76 yards at 3.8 per carry with a single touchdown. Barkley, by contrast, averaged 9.8 yards per carry against the Rams while scoring twice, including back-breaking runs of 70 and 72 yards.
Barkley has become the engine of the Eagles’ offense, leading the league in rushing yards (1,392) and scrimmage yards (1,649). He’s even earned chants of “Thank you, Giants” from Eagles fans. That’s got to sting, especially when the Giants’ offense (one of the worst in the NFL) looks like it could barely compete against a strong college team.
Letting Barkley go might be the most glaring mistake of the Joe Schoen era. The idea was that Barkley was on the decline, and a franchise rebuild couldn’t afford to pay top dollar for a running back. But Barkley’s 2024 season proves he’s generational. The Giants bet on rookies and spare parts, and that bet has spectacularly backfired.
Barkley’s success in Philadelphia is a textbook example of how elite players elevate everyone around them. Behind a strong offensive line, Barkley is showcasing the vision, power, and home-run ability that made him the face of the Giants. It’s no surprise he’s the favorite for Offensive Player of the Year.
And while Barkley thrives, the Giants sink.
This year was supposed to be about development, but all they’ve developed is a knack for being irrelevant by midseason. Watching Barkley dominate in Philly is more than salt in the proverbial wound. It’s proof that the Giants didn’t just lose a great player; they lost their identity.
As Barkley continues to set records for the Eagles, the Giants are left with nothing but regret. In a season full of losses, the decision to let him go might be the biggest one of all. For Saquon, it’s clear he’s found a home in Philadelphia. For the Giants? They’re still searching.