Philadelphia Eagles fans have found plenty of reasons to be thrilled this season, thanks to the stellar performance of new addition Saquon Barkley. The star running back, known for his explosive playmaking ability, has wasted no time making his presence felt in the City of Brotherly Love.
Through just two games, Barkley has already demonstrated why the Eagles pursued him with such determination. With a total of 52 touches in these games, Barkley's workhorse capability has been on full display. Remarkably, he tallied exactly 26 touches in each matchup, balancing the offense with his versatile skill set.
Impressive Yardage and Consistency
Barkley's consistency has not gone unnoticed. In Week 1, he averaged an impressive 4.5 yards per carry on 24 rush attempts. He followed that up with another solid performance in Week 2, averaging 4.3 yards per carry on 22 rush attempts. These figures contribute to his overall season average of 4.8 yards per touch, the highest Barkley has achieved since 2019.
The Eagles' strategy appears to be capitalizing on Barkley's ability to maintain high productivity while carrying a significant load. If he continues at this pace, Barkley is on track to accumulate 442 touches by the end of the season. It’s a staggering number that hasn’t been achieved since DeMarco Murray's 2014 campaign with the Dallas Cowboys.
Historical Comparisons and Management Concerns
Murray's name resonates with Eagles fans, albeit for different reasons. After his record-setting year with the Cowboys, Murray joined the Eagles, where he experienced the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6. The cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the potential physical toll on a running back.
A similar story unfolded with Le'Veon Bell, who amassed 406 touches in 2017 before holding out in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, Bell's performance had declined, evidenced by one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages among running backs with 250 or more carries, falling to 3.3.
Eagles’ management is keenly aware of these precedents and the importance of monitoring Barkley's workload. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore acknowledged this, saying, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it."
Monitoring and Maintaining Performance
Moore elaborated on the strategic approach needed to sustain Barkley's contributions throughout the season. "We certainly recognize that and understand that aspect of it," he noted. "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."
For his part, Barkley is confident in his ability to handle the rigorous demands of the season. "I think we do a good job of managing that here," Barkley explained. "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."
The running back's proactive approach to self-care and training is evident. "I have no worries about that," Barkley asserted. "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."
Kellen Moore echoed this sentiment, applauding Barkley's dedication and performance. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job."
Conclusion
As the season progresses, the Eagles will need to strike a balance between utilizing Barkley's immense talent and ensuring his longevity. With a promising start and a supportive system in place, both fans and the organization remain optimistic about what Barkley can achieve this season—hoping he can propel the Eagles to new heights while maintaining his health and productivity.
