Barkley Wins Award in First Game Away From Giants

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley may have only played a new game with his new team, but it very much seems like he’s won the breakup.

In his first game outside the confines of the New York Giants organization – freed from poor quarterback play and perpetually porous offensive lines – Barkley had one of the best games of his career.

He did it on the international stage, too, showing off in the NFL’s first game in Brazil. He totaled 24 attempts for 109 yards and two scores, and he added another touchdown through the air.

The Eagles would go on to win 34-29 over the Green Bay Packers.

Armed with a strong play caller and one of the league’s best offensive lines, Barkley looked rejuvenated, breaking away for several chunk gains and establishing himself as a problem for the rest of the NFC East.

On Wednesday, it was announced that he’d won NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts in his Eagles debut.

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As Grant Gordon noted, Barkley had already scored in Europe and, of course, in North America, where he spent the first six years of his career with the Giants. His hat trick on Friday was more than just an exciting introduction to fans that feared him for so long. It also made him the first player in league history to score a touchdown in three continents.

The Giants will have to reckon with their (justifiable) split in Week 7 at home and Week 18 in Philadelphia.