8:15 p.m., Thursday, MetLife Stadium | Prime Video | Prediction: Eagles 27, Giants 17
Abdul Carter could only shake his head this week when asked about Philadelphia’s play-calling in their first loss of the season. “Six carries for Saquon Barkley?” the Giants linebacker said incredulously. “That’s crazy.”
The reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles (4–1) head to MetLife Stadium for a primetime showdown Thursday night against Carter’s New York Giants (1–4), in a divisional matchup packed with subplots — starting with Barkley’s second game against his former team.
It was nearly a year ago that Barkley ripped through the Giants’ defense for 176 yards and a touchdown in his emotional return to New York. That game served as the first chapter of a career renaissance that ended with him rushing for 2,005 yards, capturing the AP Offensive Player of the Year award, and helping Philadelphia to its first Super Bowl title since 2017.
Now, Barkley returns under different circumstances. He’s off to a quiet start in 2025, averaging just over 50 rushing yards per game, and the Eagles’ offense — once a juggernaut — ranks 30th in total offense and 31st in passing. Barkley popped up on the injury report this week with a knee issue but downplayed its significance, insisting it “has nothing to do” with his output or last week’s 24–17 loss to the Denver Broncos.
“I’m healthy,” Barkley said. “We just need to get back to doing what we do — being physical, playing fast, and setting the tone early.”
After averaging nearly 30 points per game last season, the Eagles have struggled mightily under first-year offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Quarterback Jalen Hurts’ efficiency is down, and wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have both seen drops in production.
Hurts, Barkley, and Brown reportedly met privately following the loss to Denver — a meeting all three downplayed as “productive” but not “pointing fingers.” Brown’s cryptic social media activity following the Week 3 win in Tampa Bay raised eyebrows, though he later clarified “everything’s good.”
Still, the pressure is mounting. Philadelphia’s offensive line, long a strength, will be missing a key piece: three-time Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson is out after suffering a left ankle injury against Denver. Veteran Brett Toth, in his third stint with the team, will step in.
“We’ve got to protect Jalen and establish the run,” Toth said. “It starts up front.”
The Giants’ own offensive issues are no secret. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart is coming off a humbling five-turnover performance in a 34–13 loss to the New Orleans Saints. After a promising first win against the Chargers two weeks ago, Dart’s second start was a harsh reminder of the NFL’s learning curve.
“It’s all about response,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said. “Jaxson’s resilient. He’s got to protect the football, trust his reads, and play his game.”
New York’s ground game also needs a lift. Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. — who replaced Barkley as the team’s lead back — is expected to return from a shoulder injury after missing the last two games. He’ll share carries with Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary, though ball security will be a point of emphasis after Skattebo’s costly fumble in New Orleans.
The Giants’ defense, meanwhile, continues to show flashes up front with Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux leading an improving pass rush, but their run defense ranks near the bottom of the league — a concern with Barkley and the Eagles arriving in town.
Barkley vs. His Old Team (Round 2): After shredding New York last October, will Barkley break out again against one of the league’s worst rushing defenses? Eagles’ Offensive Response: Can Hurts, Brown, and Smith find their groove under Patullo after several subpar outings?
Dart’s Composure: Thursday will mark the rookie’s third start in 11 days — a big test of poise on the national stage. In the Trenches: With Dickerson out, watch how the Giants’ defensive front tests Philadelphia’s reshuffled O-line.
Both teams are desperate for a bounce-back performance. The Eagles are trying to reassert their dominance after their first stumble of the year, while the Giants are simply searching for stability with a rookie quarterback and a battered backfield.
For Barkley, Thursday night is another trip down memory lane — and another chance to remind the Giants what they lost.
