Saquon Barkley Not a 'Secret Weapon,' But He's Tom Brady's First 3-Time LFG Player of the Game

Saquon Barkley's decision to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 was a franchise-altering move, and that was apparent again on Sunday.

The Eagles' running back rushed for 88 yards on four yards per carry in their 20-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. As Barkley stood out in a game where yards were hard to come by for both teams, he also made history again. He won Tom Brady's LFG Player of the Game for the third time, becoming the first three-time winner of the award.

Barkley has given the Eagles a major advantage in big-time matchups over the last two seasons, like Sunday's Super Bowl LIX rematch. However, Barkley downplayed the idea that he's been the difference maker for the Eagles over the last two seasons. 

"I wouldn't say I'm the secret weapon," Barkley told Brady with a laugh. "They definitely make me earn every single yard. To come into this environment, this is my first time playing at Arrowhead, you gotta give respect. It was an awesome environment. It was a fun game, tough game. The mindset was whatever it takes, come out here and win. We did that as a team."

While Barkley disputed Brady's notion that he's been the difference maker for the Eagles, it's hard to argue that he hasn't been that player for them. He rushed 2,005 yards in the regular season last year before adding 499 rushing yards in the playoffs. Barkley's 2,504 rushing yards were the most ever by a player in a single season (regular season and postseason combined).

But the Chiefs actually had success slowing down Barkley in the Eagles' 40-22 victory in Super Bowl LIX. He only rushed for 57 yards on 2.5 yards per carry in that game and didn't reach the end zone.

So, Barkley understandably wanted to show out in Sunday's Super Bowl rematch.

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