In a commanding display from the outset, the Philadelphia Eagles showcased their offensive prowess against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship. On the very first offensive play of the game, running back Saquon Barkley charged down the field, executing a remarkable 60-yard touchdown run that set the tone for the matchup.

Barkley, who experienced a historic regular season with the Eagles, rushed for a commendable 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns over 345 carries. His incredible rushing total fell just 100 yards short of securing the single-season record. Amidst his limited playoff experience, Barkley has made a significant impact, posting 119 rushing yards in Philadelphia's wildcard victory over the Green Bay Packers and following that with an impressive 205 yards and two touchdowns in the divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams. With such a strong start against the Commanders, early indications suggest he is poised for yet another outstanding performance.

The New York Giants faced challenges this season, finishing with a disappointing 3-14 record, largely due to the absence of Barkley, whose talents they greatly missed. General manager Joe Schoen and the Giants front office ultimately opted not to meet Barkley's contract demands, allowing him to join the Eagles during the offseason. Barkley later revealed that New York did not extend any offer for his return. His decision to sign with the Eagles has proven fruitful, as his three-year, $37.75 million contract has significantly contributed to the team's success, bringing them within one game of reaching the Super Bowl.