Saquon Barkley's take on booing leads NFL Week 7's Voices of Victory
With the NFL season approaching its midway point, Week 7 around the league produced another set of quality post-victory quotes.
From interesting assessments to amusing jokes, players and coaches always have a wide range of perspectives after finishing up a win.
Here are the top voices of victory from the NFL's seventh week.
Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley
"I know I was getting booed, but as a competitor that's the stuff you live for."
Suffice to say Saquon Barkley's return to Metlife Stadium went well.
Playing against his former team, the New York Giants, Barkley shined for the Eagles. He ran for 176 yards on 17 carries, adding a score to boot.
Barkley took the high road after his triumphant return, spinning the home fans' boos as inspiration and noting it was all love between him and the Giants.
Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson
The Indianapolis Colts picked up a win in second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson's first game back from an injury, outlasting the Miami Dolphins 16-10 in a low-scoring affair.
Richardson's return to the gridiron came with a change to his appearance: the signal-caller ditched his dreadlocks for a fresh look during his injury recovery. According to Richardson, the new haircut offered him a chance to switch things up and reflect on future growth.
Detroit Lions K Jake Bates
"18 months ago I thought I was done with football. I was working as a brick salesman."
To say Jake Bates has had an unconventional path to his marquee moment on Sunday would be an understatement.
Eighteen months ago, Bates was out of football entirely. This spring, he was kicking field goals in the UFL for the Michigan Panthers. Now, he's a hero for the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions.
Bates, who signed with the Lions this summer, hasn't looked back since joining the team. Currently 8-of-8 on the year on field goal attempts, Bates' most recent kick was his most vital -- a 44-yard boot for the lead on the road against the Minnesota Vikings with just seconds remaining on the clock.
The 25-year-old put it right down the middle, and reflected on how far he had come from just months prior after the game.
Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow
"They always make it tough on us."
Games in the AFC North are always tough, and the Cincinnati Bengals picked up a valuable divisional win on Sunday with their 21-14 triumph against their Buckeye State rivals, the Cleveland Browns.
The victory was Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's first on the road in Cleveland, as well as his first game with at least one passing touchdown and no interceptions against the Browns since his first game against them in 2020, according to ESPN Research.
Burrow tipped his cap to Cleveland's stout defense following the win.
Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota
"When you have a brotherhood like this, you'll find ways to win."
Ascendant rookie signal-caller Jayden Daniels left the game early for the Washington Commanders, but his veteran backup Marcus Mariota stepped in and handled business as Washington cruised to a 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers.
The Commanders amassed more yards on the ground (214) and through the air (207) than they allowed in total to the visiting Panthers in a comprehensive victory. Mariota took the opportunity in his postgame interview to praise his teammates for making plays and maintaining a strong camaraderie.
