Philadelphia Eagles fans have plenty of reasons to be excited this season, with the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley already making a significant impact. Barkley's debut in green has shown promise and potential, igniting hopes for a standout season.
Through just two games, Barkley has amassed 52 touches, evenly split with 26 touches in each game. His performance on the ground is particularly noteworthy, averaging 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1 and following up with a 4.3-yard average in Week 2. As it stands, Barkley's overall average this season is an impressive 4.8 yards per touch, the highest he’s registered since 2019.
Managing the Workload
Such a heavy workload does bring concerns, and Eagles’ management is acutely aware of the need to manage Barkley's workload judiciously. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore highlighted the importance of this, stating, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it." Moore added, "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 seems unfazed by the high volume of touches. The confidence he has in his preparation and the support from the team's training staff is clear. "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 explained. He also expressed no concern about the heavy workload, stating, "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.”
Historical Comparisons
Looking back at historical data, Barkley’s current pace suggests he could end his first season in Philadelphia with a staggering 442 touches. This figure brings to mind DeMarco Murray, the last running back to achieve such a high number of touches in 2014. However, Murray’s turn with the Eagles was marked by a notable dip in performance, recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6.
Similarly, the experience of Le'Veon Bell serves as another cautionary tale. Bell had 406 touches in 2017 but held out in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, Bell's performance had dwindled, with one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among running backs who had 250 or more carries.
These examples highlight the potential pitfalls of a heavy workload, something the Eagles are keenly aware of. Yet, Barkley's consistent performance and robust training regimen offer a beacon of optimism. As Kellen Moore optimistically observed, "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job."
The Road Ahead
The journey is just beginning for Barkley and the Eagles, with the early signs pointing to a highly productive season. The combination of Barkley's talent, his rigorous preparation, and the vigilant management by the Eagles’ coaching and training staff could potentially lead to a record-breaking season, provided they strike the right balance.
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close watch on Barkley's progress, hopeful that he can sustain his elite performance while avoiding the pitfalls of overuse that befell those before him. The promise of what Barkley can achieve with the Eagles has brought a palpable sense of excitement, and rightly so as he carries the hopes of Philadelphia on his powerful shoulders.