Philadelphia Eagles fans are buzzing with excitement this season, all thanks to the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. After only two games, Barkley has already accumulated an impressive 52 touches. With 26 touches in each game, he has quickly demonstrated his importance to the team's offensive strategy, providing a combination of consistency and explosive potential.
Barkley's Impactful Start
Barkley's performance on the ground has been nothing short of remarkable. In Week 1, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 24 attempts, followed by an equally impressive 4.3 yards per carry on 22 attempts in Week 2. His overall average of 4.8 yards per touch this season marks his highest since 2019, showcasing his ability to maximize every opportunity on the field.
Barkley's robust start has put him on pace to finish his first season in Philadelphia with an astounding 442 touches. The last running back to reach such a high number was DeMarco Murray in 2014, during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Eagles. However, it's worth noting that Murray's stint with the Eagles saw him recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6. Similarly, Le'Veon Bell had 406 touches in 2017 but experienced a significant decline by 2019, with one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries.
This historical context emphasizes the importance of monitoring workload carefully to avoid a decline in performance. Philadelphia's management is acutely aware of this. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore stated, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it." He 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."
Managing Workload for Long-Term Success
Barkley himself is not undeterred by the potential for a high 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 the running back confidently. His commitment to conditioning and self-care is evident. "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, highlighting the collaborative effort to maintain his peak physical condition.
The Eagles' coaching staff echoes this sentiment, with Moore expressing confidence in Barkley's ability to handle the load. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," Moore stated. This mutual trust between player and coaching staff could be a key element in ensuring Barkley's sustained performance throughout the season.
Barkley's early success with the Eagles has not only thrilled fans but has also provided a spark for the entire team. His presence on the offense is already paying dividends, both statistically and in terms of team dynamics. If the Eagles can continue to balance his workload effectively while leveraging his talents, the sky's the limit for what they can achieve this season.
In essence, Barkley's role with the Eagles is shaping up to be a significant storyline this year. His ability to stay healthy and productive, coupled with the team's strategic management, could very well lead Philadelphia to new heights. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how this partnership evolves and its impact on the Eagles' quest for success.