Saquon Barkley has spent the bulk of his career being the focal part of the offense. The Giants structured everything around the explosive running back for six straight seasons, turning that golden opportunity into 7,311 all-scrimmage yards. He’s been the savory bay leaf in the slow-cooked stew.
But, Barkley arrives in Philadelphia knowing his role may change from week to week on a star-studded offense. The Eagles retain voltaic weapons at the skill positions so snaps could be determined situationally. Barkley’s fine with that. Whatever the Eagles need him to do, he’ll do it.
“I’m bought in. I decided when I came to this team that the team could help me for my legacy, for my career, and I know that we have an opportunity to go out there and win games,” Barkley told reporters on July 24. “And, yes, at one time I was the focal point [of an offense] but I know there are going to be times this season where there might be games when they’re going to hand the ball to 26 and I gotta probably take over the game. And there might be games where I gotta sit back and watch AJ Brown do his thing, or the same thing with DeVonta Smith. That’s what I’m all about, buying in, winning games — that’s what I’m willing to do.”
Barkley could have used his first training camp press conference with the Eagles to trash the Giants. Nope. He had nothing but good things to say about New York, accepting his former team’s decision to let him walk in free agency and hand him a low-ball offer.
“They put out there what happened. It wasn’t really much. At that point, it is what it is, and let’s move on,” Barkley said. “I still have a good relationship with all those guys over there … I’m thankful for all those guys over there and the past six years but, like I said, I’m moving on and looking forward to the present.”
The proof is in the Eagles’ porridge, a recipe cooked from ingredients only found in a Michelin-starred kitchen.
“It still doesn’t feel real when I’m in that offensive huddle,” Barkley said. “Seeing all those guys … Pro Bowlers, All-Pros at every position to be completely honest so I’m super excited to come out every day and get better. We’re all in a new, similar kind of offense — getting adjusted to it, feeding off each other, and we’re all getting used to it and it started today.”
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith Building Special Relationship
As elite receivers across the NFL (see: CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk) skip practices amid contract disputes, A.J. Brown can only smile and count his blessings. The Eagles gave him financial security in the offseason. No drama.
Sensing things could turn upside down in a hurry, the Eagles paid Brown and fellow stud DeVonta Smith in the same offseason. Three months later, the superstar receivers reported to camp on time and in great shape. Brown and Smith are happy to share the spotlight, pushing each other for reps and respect.
“Me and DeVonta, you might want to say, we peanut butter and jelly,” Brown told reporters on July 24. “We’re really good friends, not even friends but we’re family … and my success is his success and his success is my success, and we happy for one another, so we know we gonna get taken care of at the end of the day. And we look at it as competition, too. I’m happy to have a partner like that alongside me who pushes me, who is selfless.”
As far as which Eagles player might step in and grab the No. 3 spot in the pecking order, Brown confirmed that it’s very much up for grabs. Parris Campbell started in the slot on the first day of camp, but there are no guarantees that he’ll be the guy in Week 1. That remains one of the biggest battles going on this summer.
“I see a lot of guys scratching and clawing for it,” Brown said. “I don’t know [who is winning]. That’s not a bad thing. So a lot of guys are working hard, hungry, putting themselves in position but it’s going to take hard work each and every day making plays because that’s what it comes down to.”
Darius Slay Embracing the Competition at Cornerback with Eagles
Darius Slay seems locked in as one of the starting cornerbacks, with a competition brewing on the other side. Isaiah Rodgers saw first-team reps on Day 1. Avonte Maddox manned the nickel spot. For the 33-year-old Slay — a six-time Pro Bowler entering his 12th year — age is just a number and the challenge keeps him young.
“Every year your job is up for opportunity,” Slay told reporters. “As me, I look at it as a great opportunity to meet new guys and an opportunity to go compete and improve my skills … I don’t look like it as a downfall or anything. I look at it as motivation.”
Remember, the Eagles invested two high draft picks in cornerbacks: Quinyon Mitchell (22nd overall) and Cooper DeJean (40th overall). Slay didn’t blink when he saw the draft board because he knew the secondary got stronger.
“It’s better to always be getting better, and adding talent to the group,” Slay said. “We did that and with some great young guys, and we continue to keep on pushing each other every day, and be the best group out there on the field.”
AP Photo/Chris Szagola
