Saquon Barkley was an exceptional running back, becoming an NFL MVP contender in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles. It was no surprise when he dazzled against the Los Angeles Rams, propelling Philly into the NFC championship game. The moment couldn’t have been more perfectly timed for Mike Tirico in the fourth quarter as he anticipated Barkley’s outstanding 78-yard, game-winning touchdown.
With under five minutes left in the game, Tirico set the stage for the Eagles’ drive by posing a straightforward question to color commentator Cris Collinsworth: “Barkley time?” Collinsworth affirmed this sentiment, stating, “It has to be, no question.” Shortly after, Barkley executed one of the most significant runs in Eagles history, marking his second 60-plus yard touchdown in the game, following a season in which he shattered the prestigious 2,000 rushing yard mark.
Mike Tirico foreshadows the massive Saquon Barkley 4th quarter touchdown: “Barkley time?”
Cris Collinsworth: “It has to be.” pic.twitter.com/OdOwgiFNHe
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 19, 2025
Just as expected, Tirico accurately predicted Barkley’s pivotal role in the drive and delivered an exhilarating touchdown call: “Into the clear, through the snow, all the way home. He’s hit another home run against the Rams, and this one might send them to the championship game.”
The 2024 season has essentially revolved around “Barkley time.” From the New York Giants’ perplexing decision to move on from their franchise star—publicly highlighted on Hard Knocks—to Barkley’s quest for the NFL rushing record and MVP votes, along with his impressive performances at home during the divisional round, Barkley has demonstrated his generational talent. With the game on the line, Mike Tirico knew precisely whom to lean on, and once more, Barkley delivered.
