As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up to face off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium this weekend, all eyes are on running back Saquon Barkley and right guard Mekhi Becton, who are both making a return to their former stomping grounds.
While Barkley will be facing his former team, Becton will be playing in the stadium where he spent four seasons as a Jet. The 2020 first-round pick did not hold back when expressing his disdain for the stadium, stating, “I don’t wanna play in that shitty stadium.” Becton went on to tell Jeff Kerr of CBSSports.com, “It’s bad. Everything is just bad about that stadium. I don’t really like it. I’m just glad I only gotta do it one time a year. Just gotta go in there, do my 1-11 and go home.”
MetLife Stadium’s turf has long been a point of contention, with players and fans alike criticizing its conditions and attributing it to numerous injuries over the years. Despite Becton not suffering any major injuries on the field during his time with the Jets, he still voiced his discomfort, noting that things didn’t “feel right about that turf” and pointing out aspects of the stadium that he found displeasing.
The tension is palpable as these former Jets prepare to face their old team on familiar ground. Barkley and Becton are undoubtedly looking to put on a show and prove their worth, with the added motivation of playing against their former teammates. It’s sure to be an intense matchup, filled with emotion and rivalry as these players seek to make their mark on the field they once called home. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling showdown at MetLife Stadium.
