Anticipation has reached a fever pitch among Philadelphia Eagles fans this season, largely due to the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. Known for his explosive playmaking ability, Barkley has not disappointed, swiftly emerging as a pivotal figure in Philly's offensive lineup.
A Strong Start
In just two games, Barkley has amassed an impressive 52 touches, a testament to the trust placed in him by the coaching staff. Notably, Barkley has maintained consistency, with exactly 26 touches in each contest. His efficiency on the ground has been notable, averaging 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1 with 24 carries and 4.3 yards per carry in Week 2 with 22 carries. These numbers combined elevate his overall average to a commendable 4.8 yards per touch, a figure that marks his highest since 2019.
High Workload Alert
Projecting forward, Barkley's current pace suggests he could conclude his inaugural season in Philadelphia with 442 touches, a number reminiscent of DeMarco Murray's workload in 2014. Murray, who set that mark during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys before his stint with the Eagles, experienced a career-low in yards-per-carry at 3.6 in Philadelphia. It's a cautionary tale not lost on the Eagles' management, who are mindful of the need to monitor Barkley's game-to-game workload meticulously.
"Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," stated offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, reflecting the staff's measured approach.
Managing the Effort
Barkley himself acknowledges the importance of gauging his efforts throughout the season. "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 remarked, emphasizing the collaborative effort involved in sustaining his performance levels. He added, "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."
The subtext of these statements reflects the Eagles' strategic approach, balancing immediate success with long-term viability. Moore reiterated, "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."
Comparisons and Cautions
Even though the historical context of other high-volume backs like Le'Veon Bell echoes caution, the Eagles appear committed to leveraging Barkley's elite skill set effectively. Bell, who had 406 touches in 2017, held out the following year for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, Bell's performance had waned significantly, recording one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among backs with 250 or more carries. It’s a fate the Eagles are keen to avoid with Barkley.
Future Prospects
As the Eagles continue their campaign, the blending of Barkley's prowess with the coaching staff’s vigilant management could indeed define the success of their season. Kellen Moore commended Barkley's desire and contribution, stating, "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job."
In sum, while Barkley's integration into the Eagles’ system has been seamless and productive, the true test will be sustaining this performance over a grueling NFL season. With proactive management and Barkley's rigorous personal regimen, the Eagles may have struck a balance that could set the stage for an unforgettable season.