There is a ferocious rivalry among the teams in the NFC East, particularly the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys. Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni is well-acquainted with the intense competition in the league’s most cutthroat division, especially regarding the fierce hostility of some New York die-hards. Sirianni, known for his run-in with Kansas City Chiefs fans, has had his fair share of back-and-forths with Giants fans in a less public setting. On Tuesday, the Eagles’ bench boss revealed his ultimate trump card when dealing with particularly obnoxious fans of the G-Men.
Philadelphia Eagles HC Nick Sirianni: Uses Saquon Barkley Signing As Ammo Against New York Giants Fans
On Tuesday, when speaking to the media, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni discussed some recent verbal jousting matches he has had with New York Giants fans. Sirianni says the frontman usually takes the high road, but only sometimes.
“You know, sometimes you see Giants fans around here, you know, being so close, and you know they give me a good like: ‘Hey, go, Giants,’ and I’d typically let it go, but if the guy gets me good enough, I’ll usually say, you know We got your best player,” said Sirianni per NBC Sports Philadelphia.
“We got your best player 🤷🏻♂️”
Nick Sirianni on his casual jab back at Giants fans who chirp at him 😂 pic.twitter.com/Lgl9K0RKqG
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) June 4, 2024
The Eagles made one of the sharpest moves of the offseason, adding running back Saquon Barkley in free agency. Barkley spent his entire NFL career in New York, routinely operating as the team’s best offensive weapon. However, he signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with Philadelphia this offseason.
Saquon Barkley: Poised for Monster 2024 Season
After signing a lucrative deal this offseason with the Philadelphia Eagles, Barkley will finally have the opportunity to play behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Barkley made his pro debut in 2018 with the New York Giants, winning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading the league with 2,058 scrimmage yards. He again posted solid numbers in 2019 before injuries took their toll on the former Penn State rusher. Barkley missed nearly 20 games from 2020 to 2021 before returning to full strength in 2022, earning his second Pro Bowl nod and finishing third in AP Comeback Player of the Year voting.
Despite a depleted surrounding cast and suspect offensive line, Barkley again showed signs of brilliance with the Giants last year. He totaled 1,242 yards and ten scores in 2023 before leaving New York after six seasons. The 27-year-old Barkley will now rush behind a Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson-led Philadpehia Eagles offensive line in 2024.
