The NFC East rivalry between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders has always been fierce, but in 2024, it reached a boiling point. The Eagles, fresh off a Super Bowl triumph, bolstered their roster with the acquisition of Saquon Barkley, widely regarded as the NFL’s premier running back. Meanwhile, the Commanders underwent a dramatic overhaul, revamping their front office, coaching staff, and roster in a bid to reclaim their place among the NFL elite. Yet, despite their resurgence, one critical misstep by Washington has fueled a fire in Barkley—one that he’s made the Commanders pay for dearly on the field.
A Missed Opportunity Fuels Barkley’s Fire
When asked recently if the Commanders had reached out during his 2024 free agency, Barkley delivered a blunt, four-word response that sent shockwaves through the NFL: “Nah, never heard a word.” He didn’t stop there, adding, “That’s why it’s BTA when I see them.” For the uninitiated, “BTA” stands for “Beat Their Ass,” a phrase that encapsulates Barkley’s mindset when facing teams that overlooked him. The Commanders, along with division rival Dallas Cowboys, apparently never even considered Barkley, a decision that now looks like a colossal mistake.
Washington’s failure to pursue Barkley wasn’t just a missed opportunity—it was a slight that the superstar running back took personally. And when you disrespect a player of Barkley’s caliber, you pay the price. The Commanders learned this the hard way, as Barkley turned their matchups into personal showcases of dominance.
Barkley’s Revenge: A Masterclass in Dominance
In the 2024 regular season, the Eagles and Commanders clashed twice, and Barkley made sure Washington felt the weight of their oversight. In their first meeting in Philadelphia, Barkley carved up the Commanders’ defense, rushing 26 times for 146 yards and punching in two touchdowns. It was a performance that left Washington’s defense grasping at air, unable to contain the explosive running back.
Saquon Barkley says that the #Commanders did not reach out to him when he was a free agent
“Nah, never heard a word from Commanders or Dallas. That’s why it’s BTA when I see them”
(via:_jankyrondoclips on TikTok) pic.twitter.com/C35QkO2jrL
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) June 28, 2025
But Barkley wasn’t done. In their second encounter in Washington, he elevated his game even further, pounding the Commanders for 150 yards on 29 carries and adding two more scores. Each juke, spin, and burst through the line seemed to carry a message: You should’ve called.
If those performances weren’t enough to cement Barkley’s point, his playoff masterpiece in the NFC Championship game sealed the deal. Facing the Commanders with a Super Bowl berth on the line, Barkley erupted for 118 yards on just 15 carries, scoring three touchdowns in a display that left Washington’s defense shell-shocked. His performance wasn’t just about stats—it was a statement. The Commanders’ decision to ignore him in free agency wasn’t just a strategic error; it was personal fuel for Barkley’s brilliance.
A Rivalry Reignited
Barkley’s dominance over the Commanders underscores why he’s considered the NFL’s best running back. His ability to elevate his game against division rivals, particularly those who snubbed him, speaks to the chip on his shoulder—one that grows heavier with each carry. For Washington, the failure to even gauge Barkley’s interest in free agency is a decision that will haunt them, especially as they watch him power the Eagles’ quest for back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
As the 2025 season looms, the NFC East is poised for another epic showdown. The Eagles, led by Barkley and a battle-tested roster, are gunning for another Lombardi Trophy. Meanwhile, the revitalized Commanders are determined to make their first Super Bowl appearance in decades. But if Washington hopes to dethrone Philly, they’ll need to find a way to slow down Barkley—a task that proved impossible in 2024.
The Last Word
Saquon Barkley’s four-word revelation about the Commanders’ disinterest in him wasn’t just a soundbite; it was a declaration of intent. With every yard gained and every touchdown scored against Washington, Barkley is proving a point: disrespect him at your own peril. As the Eagles and Commanders gear up for another chapter in their storied rivalry, one thing is clear—Barkley’s BTA mantra isn’t just talk. It’s a promise.