Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1526526
6 2 O C T O B E R 2 0 2 4 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M S aquon Barkley was all smiles while sitting behind a podium in the bowels of Corinthians Arena in Brazil following the Philadelphia Eagles' season-opening 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 6. Why wouldn't he be? All the Coplay, Pa., native and Penn State alum did was make history in his first game with the NFC East franchise after spending his first six professional seasons with the rival New York Giants. Barkley's debut was spectacular. He opened the Eagles' scoring with an 18-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, and later in the game he scored on runs of 11 and 2 yards, the latter of which was the de facto game-winner. In the process, Barkley became only the second Philadelphia player to record 3 touchdowns in his first game with the team, joining six-time All-Pro receiver Terrell Owens. "We are so excited to have him," Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters after the game, which was the first NFL contest to be played in South America. "He made some huge, huge plays throughout this entire game. He made it in the pass game. He made plays in the run game. He made some huge plays in critical moments and scored a bunch of touchdowns." Barkley will be a major part of the Eagles' offense if the first game is any indication. He carried 24 times for 109 yards. Only one other Eagles running back, Kenneth Gainwell, re- ceived a carry. A factor in the passing game, as well, the former Nittany Lion added 2 recep- tions for 23 yards, including the scoring strike. The consummate teammate, Barkley was quick to credit others for his big night. "The O-line played great," he said. "That's a big reason why I wanted to come to Philly when I had the opportunity and why it was a no-brainer for me. We still have a lot to im- prove on. It meant a lot to come out here and take advantage of the opportunity to be the first team to play in South America. Not only just play but to take care of business and get the 'W' too." If Barkley's injury issues are behind him, he will have a chance to return to All-Pro status in 2024. The Eagles want to take full advantage of his skills as a runner, receiver and blocker, as they showed in Week 1. "He had a hell of a game tonight," Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said. "It's exciting to watch him play. I'm happy that he's on our side. But we've got to keep pressing forward — what a debut for him." ■ Saquon Barkley Makes A Dazzling Debut With Eagles G R E G P I C K E L | G R E G . P I C K E L @ O N 3 . C O M PSU IN THE PROS Philadelphia fans had been eager to see Barkley in an Eagles uni- form, and he didn't disappoint, rushing for 109 yards and scoring 3 touchdowns in a 34-29 win over Green Bay. PHOTO COURTESY PHILADELPHIA EAGLES