The Philadelphia Eagles faithful have reasons to brim with excitement this season, and a significant part of that optimism is tied to the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. Known for his explosive playmaking abilities, Barkley has quickly become a focal point in the Eagles' offense, and early stats underscore his impactful presence on the field.
A Strong Start for Barkley
In just two games, Barkley has racked up an impressive 52 touches, evenly split with exactly 26 touches in each game. His consistency is evident not just in his workload but also in his performance. In Week 1, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 24 carries. The following week, despite a slight reduction to 22 carries, he maintained a robust average of 4.3 yards per carry. Overall, Barkley’s output stands at 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest average since his standout 2019 season.
This early productivity has set a compelling pace. If Barkley can sustain this level of involvement, he is projected to end the season with an astounding 442 touches. To put this in perspective, the last running back to hit such a high mark was DeMarco Murray in 2014 during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, before he made his way to the Eagles. While Murray's stint with the Eagles didn't match his previous highs, recording a career-low 3.6 yards per carry, Barkley's prospects seem more promising given his current performance metrics.
Lessons from History
The Eagles' management is aware of the demands such a workload imposes on a player, taking lessons from the past. Kellen Moore, reflecting on the situation, emphasized the need for vigilance. "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," Moore noted. His comments reflect a broader understanding within the coaching staff of the importance of managing Barkley's touches to ensure he remains effective and healthy throughout the season.
This cautious approach is underscored by the experiences of other high-volume running backs. Le'Veon Bell, for example, amassed 406 touches in 2017. However, by the time he returned to the field in 2019 after holding out for a lucrative contract extension in 2018, his performance had dipped to one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among backs with 250 or more carries.
Maintaining Peak Performance
Barkley himself seems acutely aware of the need to balance workload with longevity. "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 said, expressing confidence in the Eagles' support system. His dedication to maintaining peak condition is evident, as he elaborated, "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 collaborative effort within the team is clear. Moore praised Barkley’s resilience and desire to be a key playmaker, saying, "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job." This mutual understanding between player and coaching staff bodes well for Barkley's sustained success over the season.
As the season progresses, the effectiveness of these management strategies will be tested. However, early signs indicate that Barkley and the Eagles are on the right path, blending elite performance with prudent workload management. The fans' excitement is not misplaced, as Barkley’s explosive start hints at a potentially historic season, provided he remains in top form. With the lessons of the past informing their current strategy, the Eagles are poised to make the most of Barkley’s undeniable talent while safeguarding his long-term contributions to the team.