Shutting down Saquon Barkley was the focal point of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game plan in their Week 15 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Largely, they accomplished that mission, holding him to 65 yards, the second-fewest Barkley recorded throughout the regular season. What they didn’t expect was the damage backup Kenneth Gainwell would do against them. So much so that when Gainwell became a free agent this week, Pittsburgh pounced and signed him to a one-year deal.
In his introductory press conference, Gainwell believes his performance against the Steelers caused him to become one.
“I’m pretty sure it did open their eyes to interest of me,” he said Thursday via the team website.