Philadelphia Eagles fans have reason to be electrified as the season progresses, thanks to the significant impact of star running back Saquon Barkley. Joining the Eagles has proved fruitful for both the team and Barkley, who has been nothing short of a game-changer in his first few outings.
Barkley has amassed an impressive 52 touches through just two games, demonstrating his ability to shoulder the offensive load. He managed exactly 26 touches in each game, showcasing his reliability and endurance. His performance on the ground has been a key factor for the Eagles, averaging 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1 with 24 carries, and 4.3 yards per carry in Week 2 with 22 carries.
A Remarkable Start
With an overall average of 4.8 yards per touch this season, Barkley is performing at a level he hasn't reached since 2019. His effectiveness and versatility have solidified his role as a cornerstone of the Eagles' offense. The consistent productivity has drawn comparisons to some of the great running backs of recent years, setting the stage for a potentially historic season.
If Barkley maintains his current pace, he could finish his inaugural season in Philadelphia with an astounding 442 touches. The last running back to achieve such a high number of touches was DeMarco Murray in 2014, during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Interestingly, Murray's time with the Eagles saw him hit a career low, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry.
The Importance of Workload Management
Given the demanding nature of the running back position, Eagles' management is keenly aware of the necessity to monitor Barkley’s workload. Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore emphasized the need for balance, saying, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it." Moore acknowledged the importance of managing Barkley’s touches to ensure he remains effective throughout the season, adding, "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 remains unfazed by the heavy workload, crediting his rigorous training regimen and the support from the team’s training staff. "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 continued with confidence, "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 and Future Outlook
Barkley's current trajectory could see him joining an exclusive club of workhorse backs who have exceeded 400 touches in a single season. Le'Veon Bell had 406 touches in 2017, but his productivity saw a marked decline by 2019, where he averaged a mere 3.3 yards per carry among running backs with 250 or more carries. This historical context underscores the challenge of maintaining high performance under such a heavy burden of touches.
The Eagles appear to be acutely aware of these potential pitfalls. Moore remarked, "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job." Indeed, Barkley's willingness to be the focal point of the offense is evident, and his robustness and dedication will be key determinants of his success this season.
As Barkley and the Eagles navigate the rigors of the NFL season, fans and analysts alike will keep a close watch on how the team manages his workload. The balance between maximizing Barkley’s contributions while ensuring his longevity is a delicate one, but if early indications are anything to go by, this collaboration could be one for the record books.