Saquon Barkley is angry for even thinking a backside hurdle would work in an NFL game, let alone having the guts to try and pull it off like he did for the Eagles against the Jaguars.
Early in the second quarter, Barkley ran a route to the flat and was found by Jalen Hurts for completion.
Barkley made two defenders miss, including one with a spin move, before rising. And then came the first hurdle that stunned the sports world.
Barkley’s 14-yard reception ended as he got back to his feet, when he was tackled by a pair of Jacksonville defenders.
Hurdle players while running towards them is fascinating enough, but when you add the timing of doing it blindly, it becomes a unique moment in NFL history.
Saquon Barkley tried to clear a backside hurdle over a defender against the Jaguars on Sunday
Jarrian Jones of Jacksonville unfortunately looked up at Barkley’s back hurdle
‘This is really insane. Like a Matrix scene on the football field,” Outkick’s Clay Travis said on X.
Jaguars defensive back Jarrian Jones was the unfortunate Jacksonville player jumped by Barkley during the exchange.
It was the exclamation point on a strong first half from Barkley, who added a receiving and rushing touchdown each.
Barkley is in his first season with the Eagles after spending the early years of his career with the New York Giants.
Sunday’s game with Jacksonville was a near must-win for Philadelphia to keep pace with NFC East-leading Washington, which defeated New York on Sunday.
The Eagles still have both games remaining with the Commanders this season, with one each in November and December.