The New York Giants play host to the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The sport usually brings numerous hype and a focus being a long-time NFC East rivalry, however this 12 months’s first assembly supplies a brand new twist.
It is going to mark the primary time the Giants might be going through their former Professional Bowl operating again, Saquon Barkley, who defected all the way down to Philly this previous March through free company.
There’s numerous sentiment on either side as the sport approaches. His former teammates nonetheless love and respect him (as does Giants co-owner John Mara) however aren’t about to chop him any slack. They’re all nonetheless professionals, in any case.
Barkley, who has gotten off to an awesome begin with the Eagles, advised reporters this week he has no animosity and doesn’t assume that is any sort of revenge recreation for him, or the Giants.
“I haven’t got to show something to them. Whether or not I’ve 300 yards or 10 yards, so long as we win…I haven’t got that huge of delight or ego. There is no hate over there.”
Saquon Barkley talks about taking part in the Giants for the primary time: pic.twitter.com/d8qnwmH6FA
— Giants Movies (@SNYGiants) October 16, 2024
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones stated on Wednesday that he and Barkley are nonetheless shut mates and have saved in contact. He was requested what Barkley has meant to him over time.
“So much. He’s an awesome teammate, an awesome pal, and clearly a extremely good participant,” Jones stated. “Spent numerous time collectively on and off the sphere, and somebody who helped me out a ton as I used to be entering into the league and thru my first few years. So, I’ve a ton of respect and appreciation for who he’s as an individual.”
Jones then reminded all that the first focus shouldn’t be on Barkley’s return however on profitable a soccer recreation.
“Undoubtedly a little bit totally different seeing him in one other uniform,” Jones stated. “However we’re competing this week, it’s time to go. So yeah, it’ll be totally different at first, however simply one other huge divisional recreation.”
Requested how he thought Barkley could be greeted by followers, Jones stated, “If I needed to guess, in all probability not warmly,” however then reminded everybody of Barkley’s influence throughout his six seasons right here with Large Blue.
“I imply he did lots for this franchise, labored actually arduous, and was an awesome chief and teammate on this locker room. So, I believe that’s vital to bear in mind,” he stated.
It is going to be unusual at first however either side know the significance of this recreation. The Giants are 2-4, the Eagles are 3-3. Every group must win to maintain up the division’s latest juggernaut, the Washington Commanders.
