Saquon Barkley stats today: Exploring Eagles RB's numbers in Week 16 loss to Washington Commanders

Saquon Barkley entered Week 16 with 1,688 yards and a strong case to make a claim to be crowned the league's most valuable player. Going up against the Washington Commanders, Barkley eyed another big night to send a message to the rest of the league that the MVP race was still on, especially after Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson showed up and showed out in recent weeks.

Barkley started the afternoon on fire, racking up over 100 yards and two touchdowns as the Eagles offense rolled to a first-half lead against the Commanders.

However, head coach Dan Quinn was keeping a close eye on the proceedings. With Jalen Hurts exiting the game with a concussion, Kenny Pickett took over under center. The former Pittsburgh Steelers rookie tried his best but could not keep the offense rolling, instead looking to check down to A.J. Brown as often as he could. As a result, Barkley's onslaught slowed down in the second half.

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Exploring Saquon Barkley's stats today

After the Eagles slowed down in the second, they were reduced to kicking field goals as Jayden Daniels took over the show. Barkley eventually ended the night with 13 carries for 122 and two touchdowns.

To illustrate just how quiet the Washington defense kept Barkley in the second half, the MVP contender had 7 carries for 109 yards in the first half of football. He was barely involved as the Eagles offense began to stall as the game went on.

While most running backs will take a night with 122 yards and two touchdowns any day, Week 16 is unlikely to propel Barkley back into the MVP conversation, not with Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen putting the offense on their backs.

In any case, the Eagles slipped to just their third loss of the season, snapping a 10-win streak. They are still second in the NFC Playoff Picture but fumbled the opportunity to keep pace with the Detroit Lions and eventually leapfrog them as the No. 1 seed in the conference.

Philly's next game will see them go up against their old rivals the Dallas Cowboys on December 29 at Lincoln Financial Field.