Philadelphia Eagles Find a Star in Saquon Barkley
The buzz around Philadelphia has reached a fever pitch this season, all thanks to the arrival of the star running back Saquon Barkley. Eagles fans are brimming with excitement, and for good reason. Barkley’s impact on the field has been palpable through just two games into the season.
With 52 touches already under his belt, Barkley has shown both consistency and versatility, recording exactly 26 touches in each game. His efficiency is evident in his rushing statistics—Barkley averaged 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1 with 24 carries and followed that with a 4.3 yards-per-carry performance in Week 2 over 22 carries.
So far, Barkley's overall average stands at an impressive 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest since 2019. This bodes well for the Eagles’ offensive strategy, but it also brings into focus the necessity of managing his workload effectively. Kellen Moore, the Eagles' offensive coordinator, has voiced caution regarding this issue.
"Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," Moore said, acknowledging the physical demands of the NFL season. "We certainly recognize that and understand that aspect of it. We've got to do at times a better job of that as the game goes on, especially when you look at it more from a week-to-week perspective."
Barkley himself seems unfazed by the challenges ahead. The running back credits his rigorous offseason regimen for his preparedness. "I think we do a good job of managing that here. Whether I do that on my own or take care of my body. Our guys in the strength room and training room do a really great job of monitoring that," Barkley stated confidently.
His commitment to maintaining peak physical condition is unwavering. "I have no worries about that. That's why I train the way I do in the offseason, and the work I do in camp and in season to be able to take on the workload,” Barkley added.
There's historical context to the Eagles' cautious optimism. The last running back to reach the benchmark of 442 touches in a season was DeMarco Murray in 2014. Murray set that mark while playing for the Dallas Cowboys before his tenure with the Eagles. Despite his monumental effort, Murray recorded the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6 during his time with Philadelphia.
Similarly, Le'Veon Bell, who reached 406 touches in 2017, experienced a significant decline in performance after holding out in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, Bell had one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries. These examples serve as cautionary tales for the Eagles' management team.
Barkley’s current pace suggests he could match or even surpass the 442-touch mark by the end of the season, but there is an evident awareness within the organization about the need to manage his workload carefully.
"I think that's definitely fair," Moore conceded when discussing Barkley's central role in the Eagles' offensive scheme. "I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job."
As the season progresses, the balance between utilizing Barkley’s undeniable talent and preserving his health will be pivotal. The Eagles are in a prime position to capitalize on Barkley's abilities, but it will take a well-thought-out strategy to ensure his sustainability throughout the grueling NFL season.
For now, Eagles fans can revel in the excitement that Barkley brings to the field, hopeful that thoughtful management and Barkley's own dedication to fitness will pave the way for a season filled with memorable performances.