Eagles Notebook: Saquon Barkley Praises Derrick Henry’s Talent
Saquon Barkley shares his admiration for Derrick Henry as they both chase rushing records this season
Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Eagles, NFL, Philadelphia, USA
Philadelphia: Saquon Barkley recently opened up about his feelings after his impressive season. He was asked about the possibility of winning the rushing title in 2024, but he was cautious.
“I gotta be careful what I say because Derrick (Henry) can still get that, you know what I mean?” Barkley said, showing his respect for the Ravens’ star. Henry is currently sitting at 1,783 rushing yards, just 222 yards behind Barkley.
Even though it’s a long shot for Henry to catch up, Barkley isn’t counting him out. They’ve developed a friendship over the season, cheering each other on as they both aim for greatness.
When Barkley hit the 2,000 rushing yards mark last week, he acknowledged that the first eight members of the 2K Club struggled to repeat that feat. But he quickly pointed out that Henry is a different story.
“Derrick Henry could do it,” he said, recognizing Henry’s past success of 2,027 yards in 2020. Barkley mentioned that he had talked to Henry recently, encouraging him to aim for something special.
Switching gears, Jalen Carter has been making waves on the field. He’s not just good at tackling; he’s also batting down passes like a pro. After not having any pass breakups last year, he’s already got six this season.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio praised Carter’s natural ability. Carter himself thinks his experience playing offense in high school helps him read the game better, allowing him to get his hands up at the right moments.
As the Eagles prepare for their Week 18 game against the Giants, it may seem meaningless for playoff seeding, but it’s a big deal for backup players. Tanner McKee, the third-string quarterback, is set to make his first NFL start.
McKee is excited about the opportunity to showcase his skills after putting in hard work all year. He made a solid debut last week, completing 3 of 4 passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Sydney Brown, a second-year safety, has been bringing the heat on the field. He got ejected last week for a scuffle, but the Eagles see it as a learning moment for him to channel his aggression better.
Head coach Nick Sirianni emphasized the importance of developing younger players. He shared that the Eagles have practice periods dedicated to helping backups improve, ensuring they’re ready when their time comes.
Overall, it’s an exciting time for the Eagles as they look to finish the season strong while also nurturing their talent for the future.