The play of the year in the NFL?: Barkley jumps an opponent… on his back!

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d87b17e537dae40a11aff05e6c679a01 by Ditible

The NFL experienced its usual mid-regular season review on the occasion of week 9 (of 18) of competition. There is only one unbeaten left (7-0) in the Kansas City Chiefs (they will play against the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football), the Detroit Lions are the fashion after knocking down the Green Bay Packers (14-24) in the great game Sunday game at Lambeau Field and one play stole the spotlight from everything else. The kind that makes stars and teams special.

Barkley.

Barkley.

It starred Saquon Barkley, running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed with the reputation of being the latest hero of New York City – for the Giants – and although it was difficult for him to start with the Eagles, he soon became a cyclone. His best example was the most original way of dribbling past the Jacksonville Jaguars defenders.

It happened on one of the first plays of the second quarter. Barkley received a diagonal pass from his quarterback, Jalen Hurts, and found himself surrounded by the Jaguars’ defensive line. The first defender who comes to tackle resolves with a roulette. Technical detail, but mundane. The extraordinary thing happens later, when he decides to dribble at another player even though his back is turned and quite unbalanced.

Normally, players fall to the ground and sign forward a few yards. But instead of preserving the first down, Barkley shows resources. He jumps on his back, surpasses the player and can gain more yards. Seen shortly before. The NFL, logically, was amazed by such a display of tactical knowledge, technical ability and genius.

It’s the best play I’ve ever seen in my life.

Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

“It’s the best play I’ve ever seen in my life,” said coach Nick Sirianni. His companions couldn’t believe it either. “The best thing I saw. We saw nothing like it. I could only be an amateur,” they commented. Furthermore, the Eagles won (28-23) and with six wins (plus two losses) they return to the fray among the best in the NFL.

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