Giants’ Barkley: ‘It’s going to be a challenge, and we’re looking forward to it’

The New York Giants(7-4-1) have one of its biggest tests of the year when their NFC East rivals, the 11-1 Philadelphia Eagles, come to MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Philadelphia has the best record in the NFL and a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. 

However, this is a division game, so on some level, you can throw the records out. Giants running back Saquon Barkley knows defeating the Eagles won’t be easy, but he’s looking forward to the challenge.

“They’re 11-1 for a reason,” Barkley said. “All phases of the ball – especially on defense – every single level, they’re talented with Pro Bowl-caliber players, to be honest. As a competitor, you look forward to that. You look forward to going against the best. We know we’re going to get their best, and it’s going to be a great game against Philly. Home, in December. The stadium is going to be rocking, so it’s going to be fun. It’s going to be a challenge, and we’re looking forward to it.”

In the first nine games, Barkley had four 100-yard performances. However, in the past three games, where the Giants were winless, Barkley is averaging 41 yards per contest, and last week against the Titans, Philly’s defense held Derrick Henry to just 30 yards rushing on 11 carries.

The fifth-year running back is impressed with Philly’s defense; however, he believes New York must take advantage of any and all opportunities to make plays.

“Like I said, watched the film, one thing that really stood out is not just how the corners, how the DBs came up and how they tackle, how aggressive they are and how they establish the line of scrimmage,” Barkley said. “One of my favorite players to play against and not to play against is (Philadelphia defensive tackle) Fletcher Cox. You can see at this year, whatever he’s in – he’s still balling, still making plays at a high level. Every single one of them guys from (Philadelphia defensive end Josh) Sweat – all of them. All of those guys are pretty talented, not pretty talented – very talented.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge, but I think if we go back to what we do in executing and focusing on the little things and take it one play at a time – when the opportunities are there, and the play is to be made, that’s when myself and all the other guys have to make a play.”

New York will have to play one of their best games of the season if they want to beat the Eagles. Philadelphia pressures you in many different ways, and if the Giants are not at their best, which they haven’t been the past few weeks, they will have a hard time winning on Sunday.