Philadelphia Eagles Fans Have High Hopes with the Arrival of Saquon Barkley
The enthusiasm surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles this season has reached new heights with the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. In just two games, Barkley has proven to be an indispensable asset, racking up 52 touches. This consistent usage, exactly 26 touches in each game, has brought both excitement and caution to the forefront.
Barkley’s performance thus far has underscored why Eagles fans and management alike have high expectations. In Week 1, he averaged an impressive 4.5 yards per carry on 24 carries. He maintained a steady pace in Week 2, averaging 4.3 yards per carry on 22 carries. Through these outings, Barkley’s overall average stands at 4.8 yards per touch—his highest since 2019.
The projection for Barkley’s season appears promising yet daunting. On his current pace, he is expected to amass 442 touches by the end of the season. This figure is particularly significant when placed in historical context. DeMarco Murray was the last running back to achieve such a workload in 2014 during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Interestingly, while Murray’s time with the Cowboys was stellar, his performance dipped following his move to the Eagles, where he recorded his career-low average of 3.6 yards per carry.
Another cautionary tale is Le'Veon Bell. In 2017, Bell managed 406 touches but held out the following year for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, his productivity had waned, ending with one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries.
Barkley’s situation has not gone unnoticed by Eagles' management, who are keenly aware of the balancing act required. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore acknowledged this, stating, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it." Moore’s remarks reflect a broader concern within the organization about maintaining Barkley’s health and effectiveness.
"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," Moore added, highlighting the need for careful workload management throughout the season.
Barkley himself remains unfazed by the potential for overuse. He has expressed confidence in his ability to handle the demands placed upon him, citing his rigorous training and preparation. "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 said, emphasizing the collective effort involved in maintaining his health and performance.
His commitment to preparation underscores his readiness to take on a significant role within the team. "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 asserted.
Moore echoed this sentiment, praising Barkley's work ethic and determination. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," Moore remarked.
As the season progresses, the Eagles will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Barkley’s usage to ensure they strike the right balance between leveraging his talents and sustaining his health. The arrival of a player of Barkley’s caliber brings both opportunity and responsibility, a dynamic that the Eagles seem poised to navigate with care and consideration.
In the weeks ahead, all eyes will be on how Barkley and the Eagles manage this delicate balancing act. With a stellar start to the season, the appetite for continued success is palpable. If managed correctly, Barkley's acquisition could be the catalyst that propels the Eagles to new heights, fulfilling the high hopes of fans and the organization alike.