Saquon Barkley Ignites Philadelphia Eagles' Hopes with Stellar Start
Saquon Barkley Ignites Philadelphia Eagles' Hopes with Stellar Start
Philadelphia Eagles fans have a fresh spring in their step this season, and the reason is Saquon Barkley. The marquee signing has breathed new life into the Eagles' offense, and the early signs indicate he might be on track for a historic season.
Through just two games, Barkley has amassed an impressive 52 touches. Remarkably consistent, he recorded exactly 26 touches in each matchup. His efficiency on the ground has been noteworthy, averaging 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1 with 24 rush attempts and 4.3 yards per carry in Week 2 over 22 carries. These performances translate to an overall average of 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest rate since his standout 2019 season.
Managing a Heavy Workload
While Barkley's prowess has been a boon for the Eagles, the team's management is acutely aware of the need to monitor his workload. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore highlighted the importance of balancing Barkley's touches to ensure longevity throughout the season. "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," Moore stated. He emphasized the need for strategic adjustments, adding, "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 from a week-to-week perspective."
Barkley, for his part, remains unfazed by the heavy usage. He expressed confidence in his preparation and conditioning, saying, "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."
Indeed, Barkley's physical prowess and unwavering determination seem to have positioned him well for the demands of the season. "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 noted.
Chasing Historical Milestones
Barkley's current pace suggests he could finish his inaugural season in Philadelphia with 442 touches. If he reaches that mark, he would become the first running back to do so since DeMarco Murray's stellar 2014 season with the Dallas Cowboys. Interestingly, Murray experienced a downturn during his subsequent tenure with the Eagles, recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6.
The parallels between Murray's and Barkley's situations have not gone unnoticed, and the Eagles’ coaching staff is naturally vigilant. Yet, Moore believes in Barkley's potential, remarking, "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job."
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Comparisons to other heavy-usage running backs are inevitable. Le'Veon Bell, for instance, had 406 touches in 2017 before holding out in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, Bell's performance had declined significantly, posting one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among backs with 250 or more carries.
The cautionary tales of Murray and Bell serve as important reminders for the Eagles. However, Barkley's meticulous approach to his fitness regimen offers some reassurance. His blend of talent, work ethic, and the support structure within the organization could help him avoid the pitfalls that have befallen his predecessors.
The excitement surrounding Barkley is palpable, and his start has done much to energize the Eagles' fan base. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the team manages his workload while leveraging his undeniable talent to drive the team toward success. The key will be ensuring that Barkley remains as impactful in the later stages of the season as he has been in these opening games.
