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Saquon Barkley made his return to MetLife Stadium on Sunday and was met with loud boos from New York Giants fans.
But the Philadelphia Eagles running back didn’t take it too personally, saying that he viewed being booed as a “compliment at the end of the day,” per Pro Football Talk’s Josh Alper.
Barkley also said he thinks any questions for him about his former team should end after Sunday’s win.
“To be honest, I’m so happy this game is over,” he said. “I don’t think I should get, besides today, any more questions about the Giants. Like I always said, thankful for the organization, they’re the team that drafted me. Still got nothing but love and respect for the guys over there. But I’m happy to be an Eagle.”
Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Eagles this offseason after spending the first six years of his career in New York. The veteran running back’s Giants exit was likely the best move for him career-wise, but New York fans were unhappy with the decision and showed their disdain on Sunday.
Barkley had his best game of the season in the dominant 28-3 win as he picked up 176 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 17 carries, averaging more than 10 yards per carry. He tallied more rushing yards by himself than the Giants had of total offense as they picked up a measly 119 total yards.
Sunday marked Barkley’s third game of the season with 100 or more rushing yards and he’s up to 658 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the season. He’s also on pace for a career-high in rushing yards in his seventh NFL campaign.
Barkley now finds himself on a team capable of competing for a Super Bowl after reaching the playoffs just one time during his Giants stint. Philadelphia improved to 4-2 on the season with Sunday’s win and is in the driver’s seat in the NFC East.
Barkley and the Eagles will face New York in their final game of the season in January in Philadelphia, where Barkley will once again look to get the better of his former squad.
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