The Wide World of Dirt

Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone else in between, I have a statement to make: never ever let the New York Giants forget that they let Saquon Barkley walk away from their organization for nothing.

It is entirely possible that the Giants have overtaken the Jets as the biggest clown show in New York sports … yes, THE JETS.

I will never be able to fathom how Saquon Barkley is an Eagle, but I am so happy he is while my friends that are not Eagles fans are not.

Last week, I said I would love if Jalen Hurts would be able to get back into the MVP conversation even though I believed Saquon deserved consideration.

I still stand behind that statement, but it’s time to seriously have a running back in the year 2024 be a finalist for the award.

Two-Six had 26 carries for 255 yards with 2 TDs with 4 catches for 47 yards. 302 total yards of offense generated by one player that is not a quarterback.

Those two touchdowns? A 70-yarder and a 72-yard run, respectively. Insanity.

Not only was 255 yards Barkley’s career high: it was a franchise record snapping LeSean McCoy’s 217-yard performance against the Lions in the legendary snow game all the way back in 2013.

Barkley having 302 total yards from scrimmage was the 12th time in NFL history, and the first Eagles player to do so. He averaged 9.8 yards per carry…I cannot stress this enough: Saquon carried the ball 26 times!!

He is truly everything that I thought he could be here and more.

He is on pace to not only smash career-highs for yards in a season but former Ram Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105 rushing yards in a single season set in 1984.

Barkley currently sits at 1,392 yards. There are six games left. It’s possible.

I wrote last week about the trend of running backs being underpaid and undervalued beginning to shift could lead to a running back breaking through.

I didn’t necessarily think it would be Barkley himself, but after that performance on primetime? He certainly has the best case any back has had since 2012. Keep going 26, I will be seated and watching no matter what.

If Jalen Hurts continues to play like he has, then the Eagles can win games.

It was another game manager-style performance from Hurts, going 15/22 for 179 a TD with 12 carries for 39 yards.

Hurts kept the ball out of harm’s way, and he wasn’t asked to do a lot. Why would he have been when he was handing the ball off to a guy setting a historic night?

Hurts has proven he can win games when he has to be the focal point of the offense; just because he hasn’t been forced to do this doesn’t mean he can’t do it or won’t do it anymore.

AJ Brown also hauled in another 100-yard night, a quiet 100, yet it still feels easy for #11. The amount of talent on this roster is nuts.

Vic Fangio’s scheme thwarted Sean McVay once again, meaning McVay still hasn’t beaten Fangio!

Fangio’s unit was high-flying and turned in another impressive performance against a good team that — outside of O-line injuries — was at full strength.

The loss of Brandon Graham sucks, no other way to put it. BG is such a beloved figure in Philly. He is third all-time in team history for sacks and records a weekly radio segment with 94.1 WIP during the season.

Graham always flashes the biggest smile, he’s the funniest trash talker, and he’s done so much more for the community.

Oh, he also has the biggest play in Eagles history no biggie.

The former Michigan product talked about how 2024 was going to be his last ride before heading to retirement.

He was playing like a guy that had a lot more in the tank. It would absolutely sting if that was his last game ever. If it indeed is, it’s time to win it for BG.

Since the schedule released, this upcoming game in Baltimore against the Ravens was by far the hardest game I thought the Eagles would have while also being the game I looked forward to the most.

Two teams that have high-level QB play and incredibly mobile players. Both added superstar-level RBs in free agency, elite offensive line play, and good defenses (although Baltimore’s defense is a far cry from their standards.)

This is a tough one. The Eagles are hot and have hit their stride, but you reasonably have to expect their seven-game win streak will end at some point.

On the other hand, the Ravens struggle with issues of their own, but they need to stack wins in order to catch the Steelers in the AFC North.

While I believe the Birds’ win streak ends, I would not be surprised if they win this one Sunday. (Look out if they do.)

Go Birds.

(Top Photo Credit: Gary A Vasquez/Imagn Images)