Philadelphia Eagles fans have every reason to be thrilled about this season, primarily due to the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. In his first two games with the Eagles, Barkley has quickly demonstrated why he is considered one of the premier talents in the league.
Strong Start to the Season
Through just two games, Barkley has accumulated an impressive 52 touches. Consistency has been the name of the game, as he has recorded exactly 26 touches in each contest. Barkley’s significant workload has already made a noticeable impact on the field, allowing the Eagles’ offense to showcase its potential.
In Week 1, Barkley averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 24 carries, followed by a performance in Week 2 where he averaged 4.3 yards per carry on 22 carries. These figures have propelled his overall season average to an impressive 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest since 2019.
Balancing Workload and Performance
The challenge for the Eagles' management will be to balance Barkley's heavy usage with the need to keep him healthy and effective throughout the season. Kellen Moore, speaking on the matter, emphasized this delicate balance: "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, confident in his preparedness and resilience, assured fans and teammates alike: "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. 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.”
Comparisons to Past Workhorses
If Barkley continues at his current pace, he could finish his inaugural season in Philadelphia with a staggering 442 touches. The last running back to achieve this mark was DeMarco Murray in 2014 with the Dallas Cowboys. Murray’s tenure with the Eagles, however, saw a dip in his performance, recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6.
Similarly, Le'Veon Bell tallied 406 touches in 2017, a feat followed by a dramatic holdout in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, Bell’s performance had declined significantly, registering one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries.
The historical context underscores the importance of managing Barkley’s workload prudently. The Eagles are well aware of this. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," Moore stated.
Forward Thinking
Barkley's impact goes beyond just his on-field performance; his presence has injected new life and optimism into a franchise yearning for success. His adaptability and readiness, combined with the Eagles' strategic approach to managing his playtime, could be the key to a successful season.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the season progresses, hoping that Barkley can maintain his high level of play without succumbing to the high demands of his position. His journey with the Eagles has just begun, and already, it promises to be one worth following.
The road ahead will test both Barkley's durability and the Eagles' ability to support their new star adequately. With the right balance, Philadelphia could be on the brink of an exciting chapter in their football history.