Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley did two things to cheer up a young fan: He signed his jersey and then tore up the Washington Commanders’ defense.
Pregame video captured a moment when Barkley saw a young woman holding up his jersey and asking for an autograph.
The running back obliged, signing the jersey and then returning it before heading to the locker room to prepare for Thursday night’s game.
Later images showed the girl shedding happy tears before being hugged by her father.
Barkley then had a field day with the Commanders’ defense as he rampaged down the field en route to a 26-18 victory.
He had 26 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns, and even added two receptions for 52 yards to his tally.
After signing a fan’s jersey, Saquon Barkley had a field day: He rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
In a battle between the two best teams in the NFC East, Philadelphia was able to extend its record to 8-2, while Washington fell to 7-4.
The game started slow, with the Eagles missing a field goal followed by consecutive punts before the Commanders struck first.
Washington moved efficiently and got to the Eagles’ goal before running back Brian Robinson scored a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead.
After missing another field goal, Eagles kicker Jake Elliott finally converted a kick on Philadelphia’s final drive of the half to make the score 7-3 at the end of two quarters.
Philadelphia then proceeded to score on every drive they had in the second half.
The teams traded field goals before Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts capped an eleven-play, 76-yard drive with a touchdown to take a 12-10 lead.
Philadelphia’s next drive ended with a 23-yard rumble by Barkley to take a 19-10 lead.
After Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels threw an interception on the next play after the touchdown, the Eagles returned to Barkley twice: first for a seven-yard gain, then a 39-yard run to the zone. score to take a 26-10 lead.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (L) and Barkley (R) after the game.
A late comeback attempt by Washington saw Daniels connect with former Eagles tight end Zach Ertz.
The Commanders converted the two-point attempt, but were unable to recover the onside kick.
Philadelphia currently sits in second place in the NFC at 8-2 and is in pole position to win the division title. They will then play on the road against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football.
As for Washington, they will face the division rival Dallas Cowboys at home next Sunday.