The Philadelphia Eagles have ignited a wave of excitement this season with the acquisition of star running back Saquon Barkley. Through just two games, Barkley has already proven his worth with an impressive 52 touches. In each game, he has consistently delivered 26 touches, demonstrating both his reliability and the team's commitment to utilizing his remarkable talents.
Strong Start for Barkley
Barkley has showcased his efficiency by averaging 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1 with 24 carries and slightly dropping to 4.3 yards per carry in Week 2 with 22 carries. These performances have driven his overall average this season to 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest since his 2019 season. Such statistics reflect his ability to produce under pressure and in varying conditions.
Projections and Comparisons
Based on his current pace, Barkley is projected to end his first season in Philadelphia with a staggering 442 touches. The last running back to reach such a monumental figure was DeMarco Murray in 2014. Interestingly, Murray set this record during his time with the Dallas Cowboys before he joined the Eagles. However, his tenure with Philadelphia was less stellar, recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6.
Le'Veon Bell, another notable running back, had 406 touches in the 2017 season. However, Bell's journey took a different route as he held out in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, Bell’s performance had declined, registering one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 for running backs with 250 or more carries.
Management's Concerns and Approaches
Given these historical precedents, the Eagles’ management is acutely aware of the need to manage Barkley's workload. Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore echoed these concerns by stating, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it." Moore further elaborated, "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 remains unfazed by these workload concerns. He expressed confidence in his preparation and the support systems in place by saying, "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’s dedication to his conditioning and readiness is evident. "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 assured.
Moore's Confidence in Barkley
Moore’s confidence in Barkley’s capabilities further solidifies the team's trust in their new asset. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," Moore asserted. Barkley's ability to handle a high workload while maintaining performance underscores his value to the Eagles and validates their strategic use of him early in the season.
As the season progresses, the balance between maximizing Barkley’s contributions and ensuring his longevity will remain a focal point. The Eagles are well aware of the challenges and potential pitfalls, but with Barkley’s exceptional skill set and the team’s proactive approach to load management, fans have every reason to remain optimistic about their newest star's performance this season.