Philadelphia Eagles fans have every reason to be excited this season, and much of that excitement centers around the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. Through just two games, Barkley's impact has been undeniable, racking up an impressive 52 touches, split evenly between the games.
Barkley's performance has not only been about quantity but also quality. In Week 1, he carried the ball 24 times, averaging 4.5 yards per carry—a strong start to his tenure with the Eagles. He followed that up in Week 2 with 22 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. These consistent performances have spurred optimism among the Eagles' faithful and coaching staff alike.
Currently, Barkley stands at an overall average of 4.8 yards per touch this season, marking his highest since 2019. This statistic is particularly encouraging for the Eagles' management, which is keenly aware of the toll such a workload can take on a player. "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," mentioned Kellen Moore, noting the importance of monitoring Barkley's usage closely.
The early numbers suggest that if he remains on this course, Barkley is on pace to finish his first season in Philadelphia with 442 touches. This would make him the first running back to achieve such a high number since DeMarco Murray in 2014. Interestingly, Murray set that mark during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, before joining the Eagles and recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6.
Historical context reminds us that high usage isn't always sustainable for running backs. Le'Veon Bell, another notable name, had 406 touches in 2017. However, after holding out in 2018 for a more lucrative contract extension, Bell's performance dipped, bringing him to an average of 3.3 yards per carry by 2019 among running backs with 250 or more carries.
This context isn't lost on Barkley, who is keen to manage his workload effectively. "I think we do a good job of managing that here," he said. "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 confidence in the Eagles' system and his own routine adds a layer of assurance for fans and coaches alike.
Yet, the hunger to perform at a high level remains undeterred for Barkley. "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 confidently stated, emphasizing his readiness to meet any challenge head-on.
Kellen Moore concurs with Barkley’s sentiment, adding, "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon—he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job." Such mutual understanding between the player and the coaching staff bodes well for the future, as they navigate the season together.
Ultimately, the Eagles and their fans are hopeful that Barkley's presence will not only bring short-term success but also foster long-term resilience and performance. The combination of strategic workload management and Barkley’s own rigorous training regimen appears to be the formula for sustained excellence. As the season progresses, all eyes in Philadelphia will undoubtedly be on Saquon Barkley, tracking his every move and hoping he can continue to deliver the kind of stellar performances he's already showcased.