Philadelphia Eagles fans have found a new sense of excitement and anticipation this season with the addition of star running back Saquon Barkley. The former New York Giant has quickly made his presence felt, becoming an integral part of the Eagles' offensive scheme.
Through just two games, Barkley has amassed an impressive 52 touches, evenly dividing his workload with 26 touches in each game. His performance has been nothing short of stellar. In Week 1, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 24 carries. The following week, he maintained a high level of productivity with an average of 4.3 yards per carry on 22 carries. These consistent numbers have elevated his overall average to 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest since 2019.
A Balancing Act
Barkley's early success has prompted discussions about workload management within the Eagles' camp. Kellen Moore, a key voice in the strategy room, emphasizes the importance of monitoring Barkley's usage to maintain his performance throughout the season. "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," Moore remarked. He further added, "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."
There is a historical precedent that underscores the need for cautious optimism. The last running back to reach 442 touches in a season was DeMarco Murray in 2014. While Murray achieved this feat with the Dallas Cowboys, his subsequent move to the Eagles resulted in the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6. Similarly, Le'Veon Bell, another workhorse running back, faced diminishing returns after amassing significant touches. Having reached 406 touches in 2017, Bell held out the following year for a lucrative contract extension, but by 2019, his yards-per-carry had plummeted to 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries.
Barkley's Confidence and Preparedness
Yet, Barkley remains unfazed by these concerns. Displaying confidence in his preparation and durability, he states, "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.” His comments reflect not just personal belief but also the comprehensive support system in place. "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 added, showcasing his trust in the Eagles' approach.
Kellen Moore echoes this sentiment, recognizing Barkley's exceptional contributions and desire to be the focal point of the offense. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," Moore noted, highlighting Barkley's impact and the mutual understanding of his pivotal role.
The Road Ahead
As the season progresses, the Eagles’ management and coaching staff face the delicate task of balancing Barkley's workload while maintaining his high level of performance. The initial indicators are promising, with Barkley on pace to end his first season in Philadelphia with an extraordinary 442 touches. The journey, however, will require the right mix of strategic management and individual resilience.
Philadelphia's hopes are undeniably tied to Barkley’s health and continued excellence. For now, both the player and the team appear well-prepared to navigate the challenges of a demanding NFL season. With Barkley in the backfield, Eagles fans have every reason to remain optimistic about their team's prospects this year.
