Micah Parsons podcast comments on Saquon Barkley: Why Cowboys LB said Eagles should thank Giants for their ‘stupidity’ | Sporting News United Kingdom

Two of the NFC’s most prominent franchises are set to duel in Sunday’s most marquee matchup, as the Cowboys and Eagles are set to renew their lengthy rivalry. Both are hoping their stars can show out in a major way at Jerry World.

Micah Parsons and Saquon Barkley are among the more gifted talents taking part in Sunday’s clash. They have plenty of experience facing off with one another, having shared the gridiron twice a year for the better part of the past five seasons.

Parsons is never afraid to fire off some eyebrow-raising remarks on his weekly podcast, and ahead of Sunday’s matchup, the Dallas EDGE had his say on Barkley’s resurgence (if you can call it that).

With that, here’s what you need to know about Parsons’ latest comments on Barkley.

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Micah Parsons podcast comments on Saquon Barkley

Parsons is no player-hater. He regularly showers his fellow NFL standouts with praise, even if they happen to share the same division with him.

Barkley is no exception, although the duo share closer ties than most: Parsons cites Barkley as one of the biggest reasons why he ended up attending Penn State.

Unsurprisingly, Parsons has kept a close eye on Barkley’s career to date. While some may suggest that Barkley has found a new level since trading the Big Apple for the City of Brotherly Love, Parsons views it differently, he revealed on his podcast on Wednesday.

“This was always who Saquon was,” Parsons said. “Since I have known him at Penn State until now, I knew this is what he’s capable of.”

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“For Saquon, this is a blessing in disguise. … People are seeing what you’re capable of when people appreciate you. The Giants did not appreciate it.”

Barkley enjoyed a successful spell with Big Blue, parlaying a second-overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft into two Pro Bowls, three 1,000-yard seasons, and 54 total touchdowns across seven years in Giants colors.

New York was fairly unsuccessful over the course of his tenure, amassing just one postseason appearance. After falling short of the 1,000-yard plateau in 2023, Barkley set his sights elsewhere. He found greener pastures in Philadelphia, inking a three-year, $37.5 million deal in March.

“Now, the rest of the league is facing the consequences of the Giants’ stupidity,” Parsons said. “I don’t want to say he lost his confidence, but he probably lost confidence in the system, the people that’s blocking for him.”

Through eight games, Barkley has amassed 925 yards and six touchdowns. He’s nearly eclipsed his 2023 total for rushing yards and is averaging nearly six yards a carry. Just last week, Barkley went viral for pulling off a reverse hurdle.

“The guy’s been dynamic, he’s been worth the money and more,” Parsons said. “Let’s just say thank you to the Giants for their stupidity and what they accomplished in the last couple years because we’re all facing it.”

Barkley hopes to administer a coup de grace to the Cowboys’ postseason hopes on Sunday afternoon. Parsons hasn’t taken the field in Dallas’ past four contests, felled by an ankle injury. He returned to practice in full pads on Wednesday and could very well make his return in Wek 10

If he does, he’ll have to face the might of Barkley. That could make for a challenging sight.

“He’s freaky on the football field,” Parsons said. “He’s one of one.”