Philadelphia's Hopes Rise with Saquon Barkley
Philadelphia Eagles fans have found much to cheer about this season, thanks to the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. The excitement is palpable as Barkley, through just two games, has amassed a remarkable 52 touches, averaging an impressive 4.8 yards per touch—his highest since 2019. This performance has ignited hopes of a dominant season for both Barkley and the Eagles.A Strong Start
Barkley's consistent workload has been notable, with exactly 26 touches in each of the Eagles' first two games. In Week 1, he carried the ball 24 times, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. By Week 2, he had 22 carries, with a slightly lower but still significant average of 4.3 yards per carry. These numbers suggest not only Barkley’s talent but also the Eagles' reliance on him as a key offensive weapon.
Given his current pace, Barkley could end the season with a staggering 442 touches. The last running back to reach that mark was DeMarco Murray in 2014, during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Murray’s subsequent time with the Eagles, however, was less fruitful; he recorded the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6.Learning from the Past
These historical touchpoints provide a cautious tale for the Eagles’ management. They are acutely aware of the need to monitor Barkley's workload to avoid a decline similar to Murray's or even Le'Veon Bell's in 2019. Bell, who had 406 touches in 2017, held out in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension. By the following year, his yards-per-carry average had plummeted to a dismal 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries.
Kellen Moore, the Eagles' offensive coordinator, emphasized this point: "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's Perspective
For his part, Saquon Barkley appears untroubled by the weight of expectations and the physical demands placed upon him. "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, expressing confidence in the team's support system.
Barkley's approach to training and preparation underscores his commitment to maintaining peak performance. "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," he added.A Balanced Strategy
The Eagles seem to have struck a balanced strategy, leveraging Barkley's exceptional talent while also being mindful of the potential risks. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon—he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," said Moore, acknowledging Barkley's eagerness to contribute significantly to the team's success.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Barkley and how the Eagles manage his touches. The early signs are promising, with Barkley demonstrating both resilience and excellence on the field. How well the Eagles balance the dual imperatives of winning games and preserving Barkley's health will be crucial.
Philadelphia’s season is off to an exhilarating start, powered by Barkley's impactful presence. As fans revel in the team's promising performance, the narrative of Barkley's journey in Philadelphia is only beginning to unfold. The coming weeks will reveal whether this promising start can be sustained and if Barkley can help lead the Eagles to new heights.