The New York Giants are gearing up to host the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on Thursday night for their Week 6 clash. And the message is unmistakable: Saquon Barkley is back, and he’s returning to face the team that let him go. The Giants’ former star is set to take center stage once again, and his homecoming is bound to dominate the headlines.

But Giants legend Michael Strahan? He decided to stir the pot a little extra. Ahead of the big game between these division rivals, Strahan jumped on the Action News Morning team and dropped a playful jab. “G-I-A-N-T-S, Giants,” he said. Of course, the Eagles side wasn’t just going to sit back and take it.

One of the hosts, Tamala Edwards, shot right back with, “Oh, we’ll see about that tonight, Michael. I’m sure Saquon’s gonna shut all that down, my dear.” But Strahan wasn’t about to back down. He came prepared with the ultimate counterpunch, stating, …Because we gave him (Barkley) to you.”

The back-and-forth continued, and Edwards stated the obvious. “We stole him (Barkley) from you,” she clapped back. The Giants are about to see the Eagles for the third time since moving on from Saquon Barkley. And if we’re being honest, history hasn’t exactly been kind to New York in this matchup. Philly blanked them twice last season, not even letting the Giants find the end zone in one of the instances.

In Week 7 of the 2024 season, the Eagles dominated with a 28–3 victory, powered by Saquon Barkley’s standout performance. The star running back, who signed a three-year, $37.75 million deal, torched his former team with 176 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, a statement game against the franchise that chose to move on.

The two teams crossed paths again in the regular-season finale. But this time, the Eagles played it safe and gave their star back the week off. The New York team lost the game 13-20. So technically, Barkley’s only had one crack at his former team so far. And he’s now all set for his second shot at the Giants.

Saquon Barkley is focused on getting back on track

After a dream debut season with the Eagles, Saquon Barkley has been consistent in volume. But his efficiency is down compared to his last season, considering his average of 3.2 yards per carry is markedly lower than elite RB norms. The RB has 267 yards and three touchdowns on the ground through five games this season, with his season lows of six attempts and 30 rushing yards coming recently against the Denver Broncos in Week 5.

To add a twist to the story, Barkley popped up on the team’s estimated injury report earlier in the week. The good news for Philly fans? He’s still expected to play against his former team on Thursday night. And if you’re wondering about any lingering emotions, Barkley made it clear he’s locked in. “I think the emotions are probably gone,” the 28-year-old running back said.

“I said that last year, that I really didn’t know what to expect being in that environment and seeing everyone back there. I’m a year removed from it now, and it is what it is. I’m just focused on getting back on track and getting a big win in the NFC East.”

The Eagles will enter MetLife Stadium after dropping their first game of the season to the Broncos in Week 5. The Eagles were ahead of Denver most of the game, but eventually lost 21-17. Fast forward, and as Barkley put it, he and his crew are looking to get a big win in the NFC East.

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