Saquon Barkley compares Eagles-Commanders rivalry to Auburn being little brother to Bama

USA Today

6 days ago

Let this be a lesson to the Commanders. Revenge is still a dish that is best served cold.
NFL stars and Philadelphia Eagles head coaches have long bored us with stories about treating each game equally. They've often told us they feel nothing when playing teams that gave up on them or told them their time was ending.
Most of us have never doubted that Saquon Barkley wants to perform at an elite level against the New York Giants. While we understand the professionalism and the typical coach speak surrounding the issue, we would appreciate hearing someone confidently proclaim, "I told you so," much like a young Cassius Clay.
Occasionally, we get a glimpse of our teams showing the same pettiness that we sometimes exhibit, and we have Nick Sirianni to thank for that. Although he would never admit it, few people hold a grudge quite like Philadelphia's head coach, which is one reason his players admire him. No one facilitates his players getting the 'last word' better than the man on the sideline in the visor.
Philadelphia has not lost often under Coach Sirianni lately, but their most recent loss provided an opportunity to refocus, restrategize, and secure the last word in the NFC Championship Game.
Remember that Eagles' loss to the Washington Commanders?
It was a game that many will never forget. In Week 16, the Philadelphia Eagles faced the Washington Commanders. Jalen Hurts left the game early due to a concussion, and the Commanders made a remarkable comeback. They scored 22 points in the final quarter, leading to a stunning 36-33 defeat for the Eagles.
Washington took the field and celebrated. They celebrated too hard. They stormed the field. Players flapped their imaginary wings. Few have said the following this way, but it seemed easy to wonder if that fueled the Eagles' performance vs. those same Commanders five weeks later at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Eagles arrived to play in the NFC Championship Game, with a trip to Super Bowl 59 on the line. Standing in their way was Washington. However, Washington no longer had their biggest advantage: the element of surprise. They had already played that card over a month ago. To make matters worse for them, Philadelphia hadn't forgotten about the excessive celebration that had caused a stir earlier.
You know something? Maybe this answers the previous question. This is why players skate around questions and their head coaches talk in riddles. Perhaps there is some truth to the theories about bulletin board material and 'poking the bear'.
We appreciate Barkley for opening up. Hey, it gave us something to talk about, and here's a tip of the cap to Washington. Ignoring Barkley during free agency may have fired him up as much as the Giants did. Celebrating a Week 16 win like it was a victory in Super Bowl 59 helped give the Birds all the ammunition they needed to win the second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.