Philadelphia Eagles fans are brimming with excitement this season as star running back Saquon Barkley has made an emphatic arrival. Through just two games, Barkley has accumulated an impressive 52 touches, showcasing his capacity to handle a significant workload. With exactly 26 touches in each of the opening games, Barkley has proven to be a reliable and consistent force in the Eagles backfield.
In Week 1, he carried the ball 24 times, averaging a solid 4.5 yards per carry. His performance in Week 2 was equally noteworthy, with 22 carries and an average of 4.3 yards per carry. This consistency has propelled Barkley to a season average of 4.8 yards per touch, his highest since his standout 2019 season.
Impressive Workload
Should Barkley maintain his current pace, he is projected to finish this season with an astounding 442 touches. This statistic harks back to DeMarco Murray’s 2014 season with the Dallas Cowboys, where he reached the same mark. Interestingly, Murray went on to join the Eagles but struggled to replicate his success, recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6.
The historical context also brings to mind Le'Veon Bell’s 2017 campaign, where he notched 406 touches. Bell’s subsequent seasons were marred by contractual disputes and declining performance, most notably in 2019, where he averaged just 3.3 yards per carry with over 250 attempts.
Managing Barkley's Workload
An aspect of crucial importance for the Eagles is managing Barkley’s workload to ensure his longevity throughout the season. Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore recognizes this, stating, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it." The Eagles' management is clearly taking measures to monitor Barkley’s usage closely. "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," Moore added.
Barkley himself feels comfortable with his current workload and the support system in place. "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," he noted. The star running back’s confidence in his preparation is evident. "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,” Barkley said.
Looking Forward
The mutual recognition of the balance required between performance and preservation is apparent within the Eagles camp. Kellen Moore commended Barkley's approach and attitude, "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job." This sentiment underscores the collaborative effort between coaching staff and player to ensure that the excitement surrounding Barkley's debut season with the Eagles translates into sustained success.
The Eagles must navigate the fine line between leveraging Barkley’s elite talent and safeguarding his health for the long run. If managed well, Barkley’s presence could propel the Eagles deep into the postseason, rewarding the optimism of their fervent fanbase. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Eagles handle this prized asset, balancing immediate gains with the promise of future victories.