Philadelphia Eagles fans have found renewed excitement this season with the much-anticipated arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. Through just two games, Barkley has quickly made his mark, demonstrating why the Eagles pursued him so fervently.
An Explosive Start
Barkley's early-season performance has been nothing short of stellar. Over two games, he has accumulated 52 touches, evenly split with 26 touches in each game. This workload underscores his pivotal role in the Eagles' offense. While his carries are consistent, the efficiency of his runs showcases his elite talent.
In Week 1, Barkley averaged an impressive 4.5 yards per carry on 24 carries. He continued to produce effectively in Week 2, posting an average of 4.3 yards per carry on 22 carries. Across all touches this season, Barkley averages 4.8 yards, marking his best performance since 2019.
Potential for a Record-Breaking Season
Based on his current pace, Barkley could finish the season with a staggering 442 touches—a daunting number that recalls comparisons to past running backs who have hit similar marks. DeMarco Murray was the last to reach this milestone, recording 442 touches in 2014 during his time with the Dallas Cowboys. However, Murray saw a significant drop in his efficiency with the Eagles, managing just 3.6 yards per carry.
Interestingly, the narrative isn't entirely new for Eagles fans. The team's history with high-touch running backs includes Le'Veon Bell, who had 406 touches in 2017. Bell's workload likely influenced his decision to hold out in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, Bell's efficiency had waned, with his yards-per-carry dropping to 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries.
Managing the Workload
The Eagles' management is keenly aware of the need to monitor Barkley's workload to maintain his productivity throughout the season. Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore has emphasized the importance of this balance, saying, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it." Moore continues, "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 is confident in his ability to handle the demands of a high-touch season. "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 asserts. His confidence is backed by the meticulous approach of the Eagles' strength and training staff. "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 explains.
Moore also acknowledges Barkley's determination and work ethic, stating, "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job."
As the season progresses, the balance between utilizing Barkley's remarkable talent and preserving his long-term health will be a central theme for the Eagles. While the comparisons to past running backs provide a historical context, each player's journey is unique, and Barkley's current trajectory suggests an exciting path ahead for both him and the Philadelphia Eagles.