A year ago, it was the biggest story in the NFL: Running back Saquon Barkley heading back to MetLife Stadium to play his former team, the New York Giants. This is still a big draw and discussion for the media, but not quite at the 2024 level.

"I think the emotions are probably gone," Barkley said. "I said that last year, that I really didn't know what to expect being in that environment and seeing everyone back there. I'm a year removed from it now and it is what it is. I'm just focused on getting back on track and getting a big win in the NFC East."

Barkley acknowledged that he, quarterback Jalen Hurts, and wide receiver A.J. Brown had a long conversation earlier in the week, saying the "focus was all about the team. It was a good thing."

After a rugged game on Sunday, Barkley is set to play on Thursday night in the nationally televised game despite being on the injury report this week. He referred to his knee injury as "general soreness" and said he is good to go for the Giants.

The key for getting the offense where the team wants it to be is to have consistency, Barkley said. He pointed to sparks and halves "where we looked untouchable."

"We've just got to have more halves where we play at a high level," Barkley said. "We've just got to be better. We have to find a way to be more consistent, and that starts with our detail and making a play work."

Barkley was the main attraction in the locker room on Tuesday, the only day the media had access to the players on the short week. Barkley and the rest of the locker room seem hunkered down and ready for a tough game against a Giants team also looking to rebound after its loss to New Orleans on Sunday.

DE Jalyx Hunt: Chasing another mobile QB

Dak Prescott can work in and out of the pocket. Patrick Mahomes is a handful. Baker Mayfield is hard to catch. Bo Nix moves on almost every snap.

Jaxson Dart?

The same challenge for the Eagles' defensive front, one of the areas of focus for the group as they prepare for Thursday night's game against the New York Giants.

"I feel like almost every quarterback can break out of the pocket. That's what the league is all about," Hunt said. "Jaxson can definitely do that. That's part of the offense they run. He will do it from nothing and he can run off a designed play.

"He's giving them a spark and that is exciting for them. He is agile, he can move, and they all believe in him. So that's what we're looking at. We have to make sure he doesn't get loose, but we also need to pressure him."

RB A.J. Dillon: Benefit of Thursday night games is on the back end, but focus is on the task at hand

Everyone agrees that the bounce back from a Sunday game to a Thursday night is challenging both physically and mentally. But there is a reward here, says running back A.J. Dillon.

"You get a little mini-bye weekend on the other side and that is helpful," he said. "Of course, the focus is on the game on Thursday and preparing for that, but we will all get through it and take advantage of a few days of downtime after that."

Dillon acknowledges that while the Eagles are 4-1, they haven't played to their standard on the offensive side of the ball.

"Ups and down in a season, that's the way it is for every team," Dillon said. "We have what it takes to play our best football. We just have to keep working at it. That's what we're doing. It is on every player. We have to execute the plays and we haven't done enough of that yet. We will. The good news is that we've won four games and know we haven't played our best football. That's coming."

LB Zack Baun: Everything is in order for Thursday night

Linebacker Zack Baun has his checklist: "Body feels good. Mind is great and I like the short turnaround for a Thursday game. We get to knock out another game quicker. Coming off Sunday, I think it's good for this team to get right back at it.

"We aren't looking back. Not at all. All eyes on the Giants. This forces both teams to kind of simplify their game plans and just win on the field. We want to get the feeling of a loss out of our system."

And while the Eagles and Giants are familiar with each other playing in the NFC East, Baun says the Giants' offense has a new look.

"New players, doing different things schematically," Baun said. "A young quarterback, a young running back, and a real challenge. They've got a lot of things going for them."

CB Kelee Ringo: A division game is always top of mind

Doesn't matter the record. Doesn't matter the circumstance. The Eagles and the Giants square off on Thursday night and the NFC East is at stake.

"Always the biggest games because we have to win in our division," cornerback Kelee Ringo said. "This is going to be an intense environment and a hard-fought game against a rival team. They've got good receivers, like every team in the league. They are in the NFL for a reason."

The Eagles' defense allowed 21 points in Sunday's loss to Denver, something that left a sour taste in the players' mouths. Thursday is the chance to get rid of that taste.

"Give credit to Denver, but we didn't play our best football. I know I'm very critical of myself. I'm always my worst critic and I can't wait to get back out there and play my game," Ringo said. "There are some things I need to clean up. That's my focus."