The legend of Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley continued to grow this past Sunday after he pulled off another spectacular, airborne feat.
During the second quarter, Barkley and Philadelphia were faced with a third-and-six at home versus the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense. Philly’s quarterback Jalen Hurts handed it off to Barkley, and the rest quickly became highlight history.
Barkley’s Move
Philadelphia’s star running back made the first down by executing a deft spin move to elude Jacksonville linebacker Devin Lloyd. It was then Barkley stepped to make sure his back faced Jaguars’ cornerback Jareian Jones before going airborne and backwards hurdling over Jones for an additional five yards to finish an eventual 14-yard run.
Attending fans showed their appreciation for Barkley’s jaw-dropping run with cheers of shock and admiration.
“I’ve got to give credit to God, man. I’m not going to lie … I feel like God gave me the ability to play this position and gave me some instincts. Sometimes you’ve got to let go and let God and your instincts take over,” Barkley said postgame.
The Head Coach’s Reaction
The sequence not only left a lasting impression on fans, but on Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni.
“It was the best play I’ve ever seen,” Sirianni said. “What I think is so cool, there’s going to be kids all over the country and all over Philadelphia trying to make that play and talking about that play and simulating that play as they play backyard football or peewee football. They ain’t going to be able to make it — I believe he’s the only one in the world that can do that. I’m speechless. It was unbelievable.”
Barkley’s majestic rush was just 14 of his 199 scrimmage yards on the afternoon during his team’s 28-23 victory. He also finished the game with two touchdowns, upping his season totals to 1071 scrimmage yards and eight scores through eight games of play for the 6-2 Eagles.
The Penn State standout also became the first Eagles running back since LeSean McCoy to gain 1,000 scrimmage yards and 8 total touchdowns through the first eight games.
