Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles are heading to Super Bowl LIX after defeating Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the NFC Championship Game.
Barkley, the former New York Giants running back, finished the game with 15 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns. And it certainly didn't take him long to get things started.
After the Commanders jumped out to a 3-0 lead, the Eagles received the ball for the first time with just under eight minutes to play in the first quarter. On the very first play, Barkley juked and spun his way to a 60-yard touchdown run, giving Philly the lead.
Ahead of the Super Bowl, the NFL made a post to highlight Barkley's opening touchdown run. It proceeded to give the running back a new nickname because of the highlight: "First play Sa."
"Call him first play Sa," the NFL wrote on X.
Call him first play Sa.
(by @FanDuel) pic.twitter.com/XgoQQAHwWA— NFL (@NFL) January 29, 2025
After spending six seasons with the Giants from 2018-2023, Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Eagles. And it proved to be a good move for the Pro Bowler.
In his first year in the City of Brotherly Love, Barkley totaled 345 carries (1st in the NFL) for 2,005 yards (1st) and 13 touchdowns (8th). He also added 33 catches for 278 yards and another two scores.
Even though Barkley was lights out during the regular season, his performance in the playoffs so far might exceed it. Through three games, Barkley has notched 442 yards and five touchdowns on 66 carries, with another 35 yards through the air.
Barkley and the Eagles will face Patrick Mahomes and the back-to-back defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9.
