Welcome to John Mara’s Worst Nightmare.
His $40 million quarterback cannot function at home, and was not happy about being yanked in the fourth quarter for Drew Lock because Brian Daboll was looking for a meaningless spark that never came.
The franchise running back he didn’t want to part with but his general manager did to build up the trenches instead was the best player on the field, much to the chagrin of angry Giants fans who took delight in burning his old 26 jersey in the parking lot before he burned down the Giants.
The Giants’ 28-3 loss to his hated Eagles leaves their season in ruins.
Hard Knocks indeed for John Mara.
Remember when he talked about sleepless nights if Saquon Barkley escaped from New York and landed in Philadelphia?
He might have gone to bed on Sunday night wishing he were Rip Van Winkle. Perhaps dreaming about waking up in 20 years at an Arch Manning Once A Giant Only A Giant retirement press conference.
Barkley (176 yards rushing, 1 TD, 2-11 receiving) was a one-man wrecking crew, hitting 21.92 mph on an explosive 55-yard run in the second quarter, second-fastest this season in the NFL, once dragging Giants defenders a la Mark Bavaro versus the 49ers, cheered on by ecstatic Eagles fans.
He chuckled when he was asked about witnessing the jersey burning on the team bus by ingrate Giants fans.
“That was crazy. I’ve seen my jersey get burned before on social media,” Barkley said, “but the timing of it, like I’m locked in, I’m listening to my music, and all I see is fans just pointing. I look and like, ‘Where are they pointing?’ I see smoke and my jersey getting burned. Yeah that was definitely different. I don’t know if I ever experienced anything like in my life, and hopefully I don’t experience that again.
“But in that moment, I was ready for third-and-1, let’s just say that.”
He would have been ready for fourth-and-forever.
“I probably talked a little more s–t today than I usually do,” Barkley said.
Giants fans booed him every time he touched the ball early.
“I didn’t help myself when I said earlier in the week I didn’t think I was gonna get booed,” Barkley said, “but they’re booing for a reason. It’s a compliment at the end of the day. That’s how I took it.”
He willed his way in for his 3-yard touchdown.
“I didn’t allow myself to let the moment of me get in the end zone whether it was in MetLife or not,” Barkley said.
He would have broken his 189-yard career high set five years ago if Nick Sirianni hadn’t removed him for the fourth quarter. Barkley didn’t care.
“Let the other guys eat,” he told Sirianni.
He totaled 187 yards while Jones’ offense totaled 181.
“I feel like I’ve been part of this team for a very long time,” Barkley said.
He would give a shout-out to Eagles GM Howie Roseman, who swooped in with that three-year, $37.75 million deal once Giants GM Joe Schoen let him swim in the free agent waters.
“Howie took a chance on me, the whole organization took a chance on me,” Barkley said, “and I’m thankful for it. Stuff like that means a lot to me.
“That’s why there’s no hate in my heart with the Giants organization. They drafted me, brought me in, helped a kid live his dream, and same thing with the Eagles. … I was able to find a home in a place I love and I’m excited to be here.
“It’s not about proving anybody right or proving anybody wrong. Just going out there be myself.”
Schoen knew he might have to eat crow and will until the 2-5 Giants stop resembling a franchise stuck in quicksand. Or until Barkley begins to slow down with age. In the meantime, Schoen will be haunted by paying Jones — sacked seven times — to operate a popgun offense and not wanting to pay Barkley.
Jones (14-for-21, 99 yards, 20 yards rushing) will keep his job for now. He was frustrated and bristling about the benching.
“Didn’t like it, obviously,” Jones said.
Didn’t like Barkley imposing his will on the afternoon.
“Tough to see Saquon do that,” Jones said, “He’s obviously a good player. We know that very well.”
Jalen Hurts applauded Barkley for staying true to himself all week and all day Sunday.
“To be honest, I’m so happy this game’s over,” Barkley said. “I don’t think I should get, besides today, any more questions about the Giants. … Still got nothing but love and respect for the guys over there. But I’m happy to be an Eagle.”
The owner of the New York Football Giants is not.
