PHILADELPHIA – It’s hard to get much shine from the backfield when Saquon Barkley is throwing backhanders and finishing games like Mariano Rivera.

Maybe that’s why Eagles coach Nick Sirianni took a moment to highlight just how effective backup RB Kenny Gainwell was in Philadelphia’s 28-16 win over Washington on Thursday night.

Barkley’s performance against the Commanders was Sugar Ray Leonard style; It was a late flurry that made many forget most of the game for the superstar, and the Eagles’ offense as a whole was pedestrian.

After three quarters, Barkley had 69 rushing yards on 20 carries, an undefined 3.5 yards per carry against run defense, which ranked 28th in the NFL, entering contention for first place.

The fourth quarter for Barkley was Leonard stealing the round with a late flurry, 77 yards on six carries, including touchdowns of 23 and 39 yards, led by digs by Mekhi Becton and Cam Jurgens, respectively.

“That’s the beauty of football,” Barkley told NFL Network after the game. “You can close for 20 carries, but if you’re wrong on two we’re in for a big day.”

Gainwell’s role in this came early in the fourth quarter; The fourth-year pro emphasized that Washington’s defense was weakened after body slams in the first three quarters.

On three consecutive plays, Gainwell led the Eagles up 4 from the Commanders’ 38-yard line with consecutive runs of 14, 13 and seven yards.

Three yards later, Barkley got a hard shove from Jalen Hurts for the Eagles to score their first field goal and take a 12-10 lead, which they never relinquished with 12 minutes remaining.

“So, how about (RB) Kenny Gainwell?” When asked about the running game by the Philadelphia Eagles on SI, Sirianni spoke enthusiastically. “How about how well he played? He came to Saquon when Saquon needed a break. We were hitting the ball because we had a good tempo.

“We tagged along and kept going.Kenny worked his ass off.

Every good closer needs an installer.

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