Barkley Sparks Eagles’ Rushing Revival, Giants Crushed at Lincoln Financial Field

The Philadelphia Eagles returned to their roots on Sunday — and did so with a vengeance. Powered by a resurgent Saquon Barkley and an electric performance from rookie Tank Bigsby, the Eagles demolished the New York Giants with a ground game explosion that felt straight out of their glory days.

Behind a dominant offensive line and a relentless physical approach, the Eagles rolled up 276 rushing yards at Lincoln Financial Field, cruising to a 6–2 record before heading into their bye week. The game marked the first time since 2013 that two Eagles running backs — Barkley and Bigsby — each topped 100 rushing yards in the same contest.

For the Giants, it was a harsh reminder that even in today’s pass-happy NFL, power football still wins games.

A Start to Remember

It took just two plays for the Eagles to make their intentions clear. On the second snap from scrimmage, Barkley took the handoff, found a hole behind left tackle Jordan Mailata, and exploded for a 65-yard touchdown. The crowd roared as Barkley sprinted untouched into the end zone, and from that moment on, the Giants were on their heels.

“Coach told us before the game that we needed to take control early,” Barkley said afterward. “When I saw that gap open, I just hit it. Once you start a game like that, it sets the tone for everyone.”

That tone was physical, punishing, and unmistakably Philadelphia. The Eagles outmuscled and outsmarted a Giants defense that had embarrassed them just two weeks earlier at MetLife Stadium. This time, the Eagles flipped the script.

“We Wanted to Be the More Physical Team”

Eagles lineman Jordan Mailata didn’t mince words when asked about the team’s mindset heading into Week 8.

“We just wanted to be the more physical team today,” Mailata said. “It didn’t matter what it looked like — that was the mission. Mission accomplished.”

Indeed, the offensive line — long considered one of the best units in football — dominated the trenches. They created wide lanes for both Barkley and Bigsby, allowing the duo to average a jaw-dropping 8.4 yards per carry, the team’s best rushing efficiency since 2020.

By halftime, the Eagles had already piled up 160 yards on the ground. The Giants, once known for their toughness, simply couldn’t keep up.

History in the Making

For Barkley, who entered the game averaging just 52.7 rushing yards per game, Sunday’s outburst was a statement. He finished with 150 yards on 16 carries and added a receiving touchdown for good measure. Bigsby wasn’t far behind, racking up 104 yards and a score of his own.

“I think the O-line did a really good job of dominating up front, creating space for us,” Barkley said. “It’s cool to see Tank get out there and make some big plays. I’ve never been a part of a game with two 100-yard backs before.”

The last time an Eagles running back tandem accomplished that feat was over a decade ago, when LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown torched the Detroit Lions in 2013. That game was played in a snowstorm; this one might as well have been a flood of green jerseys overpowering anything in blue.

Jalen Hurts Keeps It Balanced

While the running game stole the headlines, Jalen Hurts quietly continued his efficient streak through the air. A week after posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating against the Vikings, Hurts threw for 179 yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball to four different receivers.

The success through the air helped open up lanes on the ground, forcing the Giants to respect the passing attack and allowing Barkley and Bigsby to thrive.

“It’s all connected,” Hurts explained. “When we execute in the passing game, it makes it harder for defenses to load the box. That’s when Saquon and Tank do what they do best.”

Hurts’ poise and leadership have been evident all season, but his ability to adapt to what the defense gives him — and let the run game shine — might be what sets this year’s Eagles apart.

A Redemption Story for Barkley

For Barkley, this game was more than just numbers on a stat sheet. It was personal.

After years of battling injuries and inconsistent production in New York, many doubted whether he could regain the explosive form that once made him one of the league’s most dynamic players. Joining the Eagles — his former rival team — was viewed by some as a risky move. But on Sunday, Barkley silenced every critic.

He looked faster, stronger, and more decisive than he had all season. Each carry carried the weight of redemption. Each touchdown felt like closure on the narrative that he was “past his prime.”

“Every week’s not going to be perfect,” Barkley said. “But you can’t lose faith. You just stick to the routine, keep building, and eventually it all clicks. I feel like we got things rolling today — and we can build on that.”

Defense Matches the Intensity

While the offense was the story, the Eagles’ defense also played its part in the blowout. They held the Giants to just 63 rushing yards and forced two turnovers, including an interception by Darius Slay in the second quarter that killed a promising Giants drive.

The defensive front, led by Fletcher Cox and Jalen Carter, consistently pressured the Giants’ quarterback and clogged running lanes. It was a complete team effort — one that reflected the physical identity the Eagles pride themselves on.

Statement Win Before the Bye

At 6–2, the Eagles are entering their bye week with momentum and confidence. The win against the Giants wasn’t just about standings — it was about reclaiming identity.

Two weeks ago, Philadelphia’s players admitted that New York had been the more physical team. On Sunday, they made sure that narrative ended right there.

“You could tell from the first series that we were locked in,” Mailata said. “This was about pride — about showing who we really are.”

With the running game firing again and Hurts maintaining MVP-level efficiency, the Eagles look every bit like a Super Bowl contender.

Looking Ahead

The schedule after the bye won’t be easy — matchups against the Cowboys, 49ers, and Chiefs loom large — but Sunday’s performance proved the Eagles can win in multiple ways.

If Barkley continues to produce at this level and Bigsby keeps emerging as a reliable No. 2, Philadelphia could have the most dangerous rushing attack in football. Combine that with a balanced passing game and elite defense, and it’s clear why the Eagles are once again soaring high.

As the clock expired and fans chanted “E-A-G-L-E-S!” at Lincoln Financial Field, Barkley jogged off the turf with a smile. It wasn’t just another victory — it was a reminder of who he is, and what this team can become when it embraces its identity.

“We wanted to be the more physical team today,” Mailata had said before the game.
On Sunday, the Eagles didn’t just match that goal — they embodied it.

Final Score: Eagles 41, Giants 17.