Barkley’s performance Friday night included a game-high 109 yards on 24 carries, and he scored touchdowns of 11 and 2 yards after his first touchdown catch. After moving from the Giants to the archrival Eagles, Barkley’s three scrimmage touchdowns are the most by any player in a team debut during the Super Bowl era, according to NFL Research.

Despite his first touchdown, which gave the Eagles a 7-6 lead, Barkley was relatively well controlled on the ground in the first half, managing just 31 yards on nine carries. He came into his own in the second half, rushing for 78 yards on 15 carries.

“The O-line played great,” Barkley said. “That’s a big reason why I wanted to come to Philly when I had the opportunity and why it was a no-brainer for me. We still have a lot of improvement to make, including me. So it meant a lot to me to come here and take the opportunity to be the first team to play in South America. Not just to play, but to get the job done and get the win.”

Philadelphia is coming off a disastrous 2023 season in which it faltered in the home stretch and suffered a clear defeat in the wildcard playoffs.

Barkley is the biggest star of the Eagles’ offseason rebuild and Sirianni is thrilled to have him.

“Having him on our football team means a lot to us,” the third-year coach said. “(General Manager) Howie (Roseman) has done a great job of putting this team together. He’s a playmaker, a great leader and a great human being. People feed off his energy and you could feel it all, not only in the plays he made but the energy he had.”

The 27-year-old brought a lot to Philly in his first appearance.

Barkley hadn’t scored three goals in a game since his rookie year.

No Eagles running back has scored a touchdown hat trick since Miles Sanders in 2019.

Barkley made an immediate impression in Philadelphia, and no doubt many Giants fans 4,500 miles away were mourning the loss of their 2018 first-round pick on Friday night.

The season has only started a week, but it’s safe to say that Barkley will play a big role for the Eagles.

“I know he’s a great player and he played a hell of a game tonight,” Hurts said. “It’s exciting to watch him play. I’m glad he’s on our side. But we’ve got to keep pushing forward – what a debut for him.”