Philadelphia Eagles fans have every reason to be excited about this season, largely thanks to the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. The early returns have been nothing short of impressive, and his performance through the first two games has set a high bar for the rest of the NFL.
Over the initial two-game stretch, Barkley has amassed a remarkable 52 touches. Keeping his efforts remarkably consistent, he recorded exactly 26 touches in each game, ensuring a balanced offensive approach. In Week 1, Barkley rushed 24 times, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, while in Week 2, he logged 22 carries with a 4.3-yard average. These numbers bring Barkley's season average to 4.8 yards per touch — his best since 2019.
Setting a Blistering Pace
Should Barkley maintain this level of utilization, projections indicate he could close out the season with 442 touches. For context, DeMarco Murray was the last running back to achieve that figure back in 2014 during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Notably, after joining the Eagles, Murray experienced a decline, recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6.
Barkley's potential workload has raised eyebrows, not least because historical precedents caution against such extensive use. Le'Veon Bell, who notched up 406 touches in 2017, endured a significant drop in performance by 2019, posting one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages (3.3) among running backs with 250 or more carries.
Eagles' Management Conscious of Workload
Eagles’ management is acutely aware of the need to monitor Barkley's usage. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore reflected on this balance, stating, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it." Moore further emphasized, "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."
Indeed, Barkley's integration into the Eagles’ system comes with a robust support network. The running back himself expressed confidence in the team's approach to managing his workload. "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 noted.
Barkley's Confidence in Handling the Load
Despite the concern, Barkley remains unfazed. His offseason regimen and in-season preparation are tailored to adapt to a heavy workload. "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," said Barkley, exuding a sense of preparedness and resilience.
Supporting this perspective, Moore added, "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job."
A Strategic Approach Moving Forward
The Eagles’ management and coaching staff are strategically positioned to optimize Barkley's contributions while avoiding the pitfalls experienced by previous powerhouses like Murray and Bell. The careful calibration of his involvement, combined with Barkley's extraordinary talent and rigorous preparation, could very well define the trajectory of Philadelphia's season.
As the season progresses, keeping a close eye on this dynamic relationship between Barkley's capability and the Eagles’ strategic deployment will be crucial. The team's success may hinge on this delicate balancing act, one that could potentially lead them to a noteworthy season.