Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said an “unbelievable” play from Saquon Barkley against the Jacksonville Jaguars left him speechless, but he hopes it inspires kids around the country to try the same audacious move.
Eagles running back Barkley took hold of the ball on a third-and-6 early in the second quarter of yesterday’s game, broke a tackle, span past Devin Lloyd and then defied physics by leaping backwards over the inrushing Jarrian Jones to complete a 14-yard gain.
THE 180 HURDLE??? DID SAQUON JUST INVENT THIS?!
📺: #JAXvsPHI on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/tYThjnbdgG— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024
It took a while for the crowd to register what they had seen and there were audible gasps when the replay was shown on the big screen.
Sirianni said: “I’m speechless. It was unbelievable, and the way the crowd… when I looked up, like I thought I saw what I saw. As a coach you’re looking at the line sometimes, looking at the secondary, looking at the defense. And so, I thought I saw it, but when I looked up at the big screen and the crowd reacted to it, it was unbelievable. I can’t say enough about how athletic he is.”
The Eagles ended up with a 28-23 win despite a Jags comeback that threatened to upset the hosts.
But the bulk of the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field went home talking about Barkley’s unforgettable run.
So cool – Sirianni
“It was the best play I’ve ever seen. What I think is so cool, is there are going to be kids all over the country and all over Philadelphia – I really think about that – trying to make that play and talking about that play and simulating that play as they play backyard football or Pee Wee Football,” Sirianni added. “They aren’t going to be able to make it because I think he’s the only one in the world that can do that.”
Asked about it afterwards, Barkley said: “I’ve got to give credit to God, man. I’m not going to lie… I feel like God gave me the ability to play this position and gave me some instincts. Sometimes you’ve got to let go and let God and your instincts take over.”
