Saquon Barkley makes NFL MVP case as he carries Eagles to victory

On By Littum

Saquon Barkley was a huge nightmare for the Commanders on Thursday night.

The Eagles running back recorded 198 total yards on 28 touches and rushed for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter as Philadelphia toppled Washington 26-18.

The monster effort was equally impressive considering his 146 rushing yards was his fourth-highest total of the season and marked the fourth time in his last five games that he recorded over 100 yards on the ground.

Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after his touchdown run against the Washington Commanders in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Nov. 14, 2024. Getty Images

His first touchdown run — a 23-yard jaunt into the end zone — helped put the Eagles ahead 19-10 after they made the extra point.

The second touchdown came 20 seconds later after the Eagles got the ball back on a Jayden Daniels punt. interception as Barkley found plenty of open field for a 39-yard TD run to extend the lead to 16.

Barkley has had a season to remember for the Eagles after signing with the club in the offseason after playing the first six seasons of his career with the Giants.

The decision to let Barkley go has seemingly haunted the Giants front office week after week as the running back has become one of the most dominant players in the NFL this year.

The Penn State product finished Thursday night’s game with 1,137 rushing yards this season, tying the NFL lead over Ravens star Derrick Henry (1,120).

Saquon Barkley (26) scores past Washington Commanders safety Quan Martin (20) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. AP

Impressively, he had already surpassed his total rushing yards from last season (962) before a single touchdown in the win over the Commanders.

Not only did Barkley make the game-winning plays during the game, but he displayed his MVP character before it.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes the ball during the NFL football game between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Scott Serio/CSM/Shutterstock

The 27-year-old made one young fan burst into tears of joy before the match when he happened to notice her wearing a black no. 26 Barkley jersey.

He motioned for her to pass it, signed the shirt and handed it back to the supporter.

The fans seemed overwhelmed with excitement as fans around her smiled and clapped at the heartwarming moment.