How Saquon Barkley, Steve Spagnuolo have fared head-to-head

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Steve Spagnuolo and Saquon Barkley have a lot in common. They both grew up in East Coast cities, got their first big professional jobs with the New York Giants and made significant contributions to the Eagles organization.

One thing they haven’t done, however, is play each other in more than one game.

That’ll change on Sunday when Barkley’s Eagles come to Kansas City for a Super Bowl rematch (3:25 p.m. CT, FOX/WDAF Channel 4, 96.5 The Fan). And just as Spagnuolo and the Chiefs are looking to avenge their Super Bowl loss, Barkley is looking to make amends for the worst statistical performance of his historic 2024 season – something lost in the Eagles’ 40-22 victory.

Jalen Hurts, Leo Chena — Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rushes the ball past Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) during the third quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“And that's the beauty about playing for the Philadelphia Eagles,” Barkley said this week, courtesy of NBC Sports Philadelphia. “We have so much talent and you take away one thing, we have the opportunity to hurt you in another.

“But that's just a mindset. Whatever it takes to win football games, whether they stack the box or they don't. But if you don't stack the box, I will make you pay for it. that's just how I feel.”

Reigning NFL rushing champion

No one wants Barkley to make them pay for anything. And those words from the reigning NFL rushing champion don’t exactly supply good nights of sleep for defensive coordinators like Spagnuolo.

And, ironically, Spagnuolo stacked the box against the Chargers in last week’s 27-21 loss much the same way he did against Barkley in the Super Bowl, holding the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year to only 57 yards on 25 carries, a season-low 2.3 average per attempt.

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) alongside defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Barkley barely got enough yards to break the NFL’s single-season rushing record (including postseason), and he did it with the lowest average per carry ever in a Super Bowl for a player with at least 20 attempts.

“Yeah, I wish the other part of it was a little bit better,” Spagnuolo said, referring to Philadelphia’s 33 offensive points and 345 net yards. “I always look at the point total, and certainly didn't like the point total.

“I got a great deal of respect for this team, the organization, the quarterback, all the skill they have, the running back. There's a lot of pieces there to defend. And you know, we didn't have a good game last week, so it's time for us to put our stuff all together, too.”

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Trent McDuffi — Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) congratulates wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) after he scored a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Last week against Dallas

Barkley didn’t have a good game last week, either. He averaged only 3.3 yards per carry, with 60 yards on 18 attempts. Last season, he averaged 5.7 yards per tote (436 attempts, 2,504 yards) from Week 1 through the Super Bowl, adding 18 touchdowns.

And just like Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs last week, Philadelphia’s leading rusher was its quarterback. Jalen Hurts not only had 62 rushing yards, he also registered multiple rushing touchdowns for an 18th game, including postseason. No other quarterback has more such games.

Nick Bolton, Jalen Hurt — Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) passes the ball against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) during the third quarter of Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“Yeah, man, they have a lot of playmakers there and at quarterback,” Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton said Wednesday. “Obviously, he’s been a great player from the last couple of years, run game, pass, quick throws, deep ball; kind of does a little bit everything for them.

“Obviously, we know the playmakers they have. So, it's going to be a challenge for us to be all hands on deck, and disciplined and focused, and just out there playing with effort, playing with energy.”

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