Saquon Barkley Shines in Early Season with the Eagles
Saquon Barkley Shines in Early Season with the Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles fans have every reason to be thrilled this season with the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. Through just two games, Barkley has showcased his immense talent, racking up an impressive 52 touches. This performance has reignited hope and excitement in the Eagles’ camp, as Barkley continues to demonstrate why he’s one of the premier running backs in the league.
In his first two outings, Barkley has been a consistent force, registering exactly 26 touches in each game. These touches have translated into significant yardage, with the running back averaging 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1 on 24 carries, and maintaining a solid 4.3 yards per carry in Week 2 with 22 carries. Overall, his season average stands at an impressive 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest since 2019.
An Eye on the Future
As promising as Barkley's early numbers are, they come with the implicit challenge of managing his workload. Eagles’ management is acutely aware of this, drawing from past experiences to ensure Barkley remains effective and healthy.
"Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," said Kellen Moore, echoing the sentiments within the Eagles' coaching staff. "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."
The comparison to DeMarco Murray is inevitable. Murray was the last running back to reach 442 touches in a season back in 2014 with the Dallas Cowboys, before joining the Eagles. However, Murray’s stint in Philadelphia was less than stellar, recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6. This history lesson serves as a cautionary tale for the Eagles, highlighting the importance of keeping Barkley's workload within manageable limits.
Barkley's Perspective
Despite these concerns, Barkley himself remains unfazed. His confidence in his ability to handle a heavy workload is palpable.
"I think we do a good job of managing that here,” Barkley remarked. “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's attitude towards his training regimen underscores his readiness to shoulder the burden. "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, emphasizing his preparedness for the long haul.
Moore also recognizes Barkley's exceptional ability and willingness to take on a prominent role. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job."
Comparing Past Workhorses
One look at the recent history of NFL running backs underscores the challenge of maintaining high productivity without compromising durability. Le'Veon Bell’s 406 touches in 2017 are a testament to his then-dominance. However, his pursuit of a lucrative contract extension in 2018 and subsequent performance in 2019, where he recorded one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries, provides critical context.
Given this backdrop, the Eagles are keenly aware of the delicate balance required. Barkley’s 442-touch pace is remarkable but also seen through the lens of past players who have suffered under similar loads.
Season Outlook
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Eagles manage Barkley's use, striving to strike a balance between his colossal impact on the field and his long-term health. The early signs are certainly promising, both in terms of his performance and the team's vigilance over his workload.
Philadelphia fans have eagerly embraced Barkley, hoping that he will not only bring immediate success but also remain a cornerstone of their offense for many seasons to come. With the collective effort of the coaching staff, the strength and training teams, and Barkley's own dedicated preparation, there’s a strong belief that this could indeed be a stellar season for both the player and the team.
