Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley did two things to cheer up a young fan: he signed her jersey and then he tore up the Washington Commanders defense.
Video before the game captured a moment when Barkley saw a young girl holding his jersey and asking for an autograph.
The running back obliged, signing the jersey and then handing it back to her before he headed off to the locker room to get ready for the game on Thursday night.
Pictures afterward showed the girl shedding happy tears before she was embraced by her father.
Barkley then had himself a field day with the Commanders defense as he tore up the field en route to a 26-18 victory.
He had 26 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns – and even added two catches for 52 yards to his tally.
After signing a fan’s jersey, Saquon Barkley had a field day – rushing for 146 yards and two TDs
In a battle between the top two teams in the NFC East, Philadelphia was able to extend their record to 8-2 while Washington fell to 7-4.
The game started out slow, with the Eagles missing a field goal followed by back-to-back punts before the Commanders struck first.
Washington moved efficiently and reached the Eagles’ doorstep before running back Brian Robinson punched in a touchdown to go up 7-0.
After missing another field goal, Eagles kicker Jake Elliott finally converted a kick on Philadelphia’s final drive of the half to leave the score at 7-3 at the end of two quarters.
Philadelphia then proceeded to score on every single drive they had in the second half.
The teams traded field goals before Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts capped off an eleven-play, 76 yard drive with a ‘tush-push’ touchdown to go up 12-10.
The next Philly drive ended with a 23 yard rumble by Barkley to take a 19-10 lead.
After Commanders QB Jayden Daniels threw a pick on the next play after the touchdown, the Eagles went back to Barkley twice – first for a seven yard gain, then a 39-yard scamper to the end zone to go up 26-10.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (L) and Barkley (R) after the game
A late comeback attempt from Washington saw Daniels connect with former Eagles tight end Zach Ertz.
The Commanders converted the two-point attempt, but couldn’t recover the onside kick.
Philadelphia currently sits second in the NFC at 8-2 and is in pole position to win the division title. They next play on the road against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.
As for Washington, they take on the division rival Dallas Cowboys at home next Sunday.
