Stop It, Saquon: Barkley Snags Impossible One-Handed TD in Eagles Masterclass
never let it rest https://t.co/aUp0rgdmxW pic.twitter.com/zzUFFFlaDe
— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2026
Faced with a 20-yard vertical shot into the corner of the end zone, quarterback Jalen Hurts took a gamble. He lobbed a high-arcing pass toward the pylon, trusting his back to win a 50/50 ball against Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd. Barkley didn’t just win; he dominated. He extended his right arm, trapped the ball mid-air, and maintained enough body control to tuck it away as he crashed to the turf.
More Than Just a Running Back
The play solidified Barkley’s status as the ultimate “X-factor” in the Eagles’ offensive scheme. While he is paid to pound the rock between the tackles, his soft hands and verticality make him a nightmare matchup for any linebacker or safety in the league. Barkley’s ability to transition from a power runner to a deep-threat receiver in the span of a single drive has completely unlocked Jalen Hurts’ passing game.
By the time the halftime whistle blew at Lincoln Financial Field, Barkley had already racked up over 100 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns, proving that the $37.75 million contract he signed in the offseason might actually be a bargain.
“I just try to be a weapon. When Jalen puts the ball in the air, I view it as mine. I don’t care who’s back there with me; I’m coming down with it.”
— Saquon Barkley on his touchdown reception
The Defensive Nightmare
How do you defend this? Jacksonville played the rep perfectly. Devin Lloyd was in the hip pocket of Barkley, providing tight coverage and limiting the window. But Barkley’s elite catch radius rendered the defense irrelevant. For the Jaguars, it was a harsh lesson: even when you do everything right, elite talent finds a way to win.
The Eagles are now seeing the full vision of their front office come to life. With Barkley healthy and operating at a Madden-like level of efficiency, Philadelphia has re-established themselves as a top-tier contender in the NFC. The league hasn’t seen a back this versatile since the prime years of Marshall Faulk or LaDainian Tomlinson.
What’s Next
As the Eagles look to solidify their standing in the NFC East, Barkley’s health will be the primary focus. If he continues to produce at this historic clip, the conversation will quickly shift from “Comeback Player of the Year” to “League MVP.” Next up, the Eagles prepare for a divisional clash where Barkley’s dual-threat capabilities will once again be the focal point of the game plan.
