Looking back on such a fantastic single campaign, one of the most significant additions in team history immediately should go straight to Saquon Barkley. This isn't a debate about the profound impact that the Terrell Owens addition had for that rendition of the 2004 Donovan McNabb & Brian Dawkins-led Philadelphia Eagles.
Nine catches in a back-and-forth Super Bowl XXXIX despite being injured leave me still in awe of what Owens brought between the lines. It did fall apart, though, and regardless, Barkley takes the cake as the single greatest offseason move in Eagles history. The impact and achievements are undeniable.
Barkley returning to Pennsylvania and dazzling the sports world amid a seemingly never-ending storybook first season in The City of Brotherly Love? You can't conjure a better conclusion with the Lombardi and other accolades firmly in tow.
And it's only year one. What. A. Move.
What Barkley has done to cement his legacy in Eagles history
That 'never-ending' bit comes with the Madden cover mural being presented earlier this week, just another accolade showcased, another notch on the belt for Barkley, who will be cemented deep within Eagles lore for eternity.
The Offensive Player of the Year, Barkley was one start away from likely shattering the all-time single season rushing record, held by the iconic Eric Dickerson. Given his trajectory and the conviction with which he was darting to paydirt down the home stretch of the regular season, that sole game he sat drew criticism galore.
In all likelihood, he snags that record thru four more quarters of play. While we will never know though, the sports world is now well aware of what he consistently brings to Philly.
He inspires teammates, and he stayed healthy, provided veteran leadership at all times, and came into Super Bowl LIX ready to rumble. Just the third rushing champion to ever get to the Big Dance, the Bronx native and former Penn State and New York Giants standout has long had an unwavering drive to dominate.
"Saquon's always the first guy at the NoviCare Complex," Eagles linebacker Zack Baun said. "Got there at six one morning, and guess what? Saquon was already grinding."
And like several fellow core Eagles vets - both his words and his actions proved to be crucial. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had a running mate and an older brother of sorts in that backfield as he had never had before.
I want to add that Hurts had a storybook season as well. Ditto with DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, and others, too, on offense. Hurts showed out so many times in the clutch. Yet this look into players centers on Saquon, who, like Hurts, also just added to the confidence level, the calls for consistency, and the ability to handle adversity.
Leadership in spades, folks.
When the lights are brightest, that handful of vet voices can prove to be priceless. In a huddle facing a crucial down and distance. In the locker room too, and yes, when nobody is watching, veteran leadership can often spell the difference between glory and heartache.
Leading up to the Super Bowl, Barkley fired up the troops in an impassioned speech the night before showtime A fitting ending transpired in the form of a resounding 40-22 triumph.
"As I watch film throughout the week, my confidence grows more and I hope you guys are feeling the same thing. These guys can't hang with us. They really can't. I don't care how many times they've been here, I don't care how many times they've won it. They haven't seen a team like this."
Thus, it was only right to select Barkley as the single most significant acquisition in team history for the Super Bowl champion Eagles.
