Jalen Hurts issues strong stance on Saquon Barkley despite mixed Week 1 play

The lights of Lincoln Financial Field shone down on a new banner. The 2025 campaign began with a ceremony for the Eagles. And then, almost instantly, a gut punch.

Eagles' dominant DT Jalen Carter was ejected before even playing a snap. It was a night that required weathering a storm in more ways than one... a true test of championship mettle from the very first snap.

You need your stars to be bell-cows in games like this, against a longtime rival. Saquon Barkley took that role literally on Thursday night. He was the engine early. A brutalizing force setting the physical tone.

Barkley's 10-yard touchdown scamper gave the Eagles their first lead in the second quarter. That was a moment of showcasing pure power that sent the crowd into a frenzy. However, the Dallas defense made its own key adjustments at halftime.

The lanes that were once as wide as a Texas highway suddenly narrowed. And Barkley’s final stat line tells a conflicting story. He finished with a quiet 60 yards on 18 carries. But one breathtaking play in the fourth quarter showcased his unparalleled value beyond the box score.

It was a simple five-yard reception on a broken play. But it was nothing short of spectacular. Barkley reached back with one hand to snag an errant Hurts pass. Then came the stiff-arm that planted Kenneth Murray Jr. into the turf.

Barkley finished by lowering his shoulder into DaRon Bland. It was a moment of sheer will that moved the chains. "You just think he's going to be on the ground because you hit him that hard, and he's not," said the NBC broadcast. Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts was the steadying force.

Hurts' two rushing touchdowns and critical late first down sealed the victory. His synergy with Barkley is already evident. "Complementary force," Hurts said postgame. "We approach things in a very similar way. Same mentality, but express it differently."

This one-two punch remains the heart of the Eagles' attack. Meanwhile, the Eagles' offense operated in two distinct acts.

Saquon Barkley & A Tale of Two Halves

The offense was efficient before the unexpected weather delay. They were scoring on every first-half drive. After the delay, the unit sputtered. And they managed just one field goal from Jake Elliott. Meanwhile, Dallas completely sold out to stop the run.

Barkley found virtually no room, netting -1 yard on his final seven carries. This second-half struggle is the key puzzle for Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni to solve moving forward.

The Eagles escaped this test after a major setback early on. That is what great teams do on off-nights. They proved they can win a slugfest, even with self-inflicted wounds and a key ejection. The running game must find its second-half rhythm again. Barkley’s brilliance is a constant. But Thursday showed he’s not invincible. So, his usage must be as dynamic as his talent.

Barkley’s night was a flash and a fizzle. A stiff arm and a stall. A touchdown and a thunderstorm. It was a win, but a revealing one. The Eagles need balance and creativity. They need to keep defenses guessing. Hurts can’t do it all. Not against Kansas City. Not in Arrowhead. The Chiefs are next. And they’re not the Cowboys.