The Philadelphia Eagles and their ardent fans are buzzing with excitement this season, and it’s all centered around the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. After a series of underwhelming seasons, Barkley has quickly made his mark through just two games, proving to be a significant asset for the team’s offensive lineup.
Barkley has already racked up 52 touches this season, evenly distributing 26 touches across each game. His performance on the ground has been particularly noteworthy, averaging an impressive 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1 with 24 carries. He continued to demonstrate his consistency in Week 2, averaging 4.3 yards per carry with 22 carries.
These numbers translate into a season average of 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest since 2019 and providing a much-needed boost for the Eagles' offensive stats. Fans and analysts alike are now contemplating Barkley’s potential impact if he continues at this pace. Currently, projections suggest he could finish the season with a staggering 442 touches.
Historical comparisons are inevitable, with DeMarco Murray being the last running back to reach such a daunting number of touches in 2014 during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Despite his success with the Cowboys, Murray's time with the Eagles in the subsequent season saw his performance dip, recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at just 3.6. Similar comparisons have been drawn with Le'Veon Bell, who had 406 touches in 2017 but experienced a sharp decline in performance metrics after holding out for a contract extension.
Managing Workload
The Eagles’ coaching staff is acutely aware of the necessity to judiciously monitor Barkley's workload to maintain his efficacy throughout the season. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore expressed his thoughts on the matter, emphasizing, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it. 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 appears confident in his ability to handle the workload. "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," he said. His attitude reflects his rigorous training regimen designed to sustain his high usage rate. "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.
The Rock Star
Moore and the rest of the Eagles’ coaching staff have been nothing short of impressed with Barkley's capability and mindset. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," Moore remarked, acknowledging Barkley’s readiness to be the centerpiece of the Eagles’ offensive strategy.
The anticipation surrounding Barkley's continued performance is palpable, not just within the Eagles organization but also among the fanbase. He has swiftly become the player to watch, and his contributions on the field are expected to play a crucial role in determining the team's success this season.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Barkley, assessing how well he can maintain his high level of play under a potentially historic workload. The balancing act between maximizing his on-field contributions and ensuring his longevity will be a critical challenge for the Eagles’ coaching staff, one they seem prepared to handle with the utmost diligence.