Philadelphians have a new reason to cheer as the Eagles welcome star running back Saquon Barkley. The buzz around Barkley's arrival is palpable, and through just two games, he is already proving his worth. With 52 touches so far, Barkley has demonstrated that he remains one of the premier talents in the league.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Barkley's workload has been nothing short of impressive. Recording 26 touches in each of his first two games, he has quickly become a focal point of the Eagles' offense. In Week 1, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry, amassing 24 carries in total. Meanwhile, Week 2 saw a slight dip, with an average of 4.3 yards per carry on 22 attempts. Combined, these performances bring Barkley's overall average to an impressive 4.8 yards per touch, a figure he hasn’t reached since 2019.
Historical Context
Saquon Barkley's current usage trajectory suggests he could end his first season in Philadelphia with a staggering 442 touches. To put this in perspective, the last running back to achieve such a mark was DeMarco Murray in 2014. Murray, who reached this milestone during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, later joined the Eagles but could not replicate his past performance, recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at just 3.6.
Concerns Over Workload
The Eagles' management is acutely aware of the potential pitfalls of overworking their star running back. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore underscored the importance of managing Barkley's workload, stating, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it." Moore also emphasized the need for weekly adjustments: "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."
Players' Perspective
Barkley himself remains confident in his ability to handle the heavy workload. "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 said. Barkley’s confidence is echoed by his dedication to offseason training and in-season conditioning. "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 affirmed.
Support From Coaching Staff
Moore, too, has confidence in Barkley's abilities. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," he remarked. The synergy between Barkley’s personal drive and the coaching staff’s strategic oversight appears to be fostering a balanced approach that could yield dividends as the season progresses.
A Cautionary Tale
Looking at running backs like Le'Veon Bell provides a cautionary tale. Bell had 406 touches in 2017 but held out in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, his performance had dipped significantly, with one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries. This history serves as a reminder of the fine line between utilizing a star player's talents and overburdening them to the detriment of their career longevity.
A Balancing Act
The Philadelphia Eagles have a golden opportunity with Saquon Barkley, but it comes with challenges that require careful management. Balancing Barkley's intense drive with the reality of the season's physical demands will be crucial. The coming weeks will test the Eagle’s ability to maintain this equilibrium, ensuring that Barkley can continue to perform at a high level without jeopardizing his health or the team's broader goals.
With the season still young, all eyes are on how this partnership will evolve. If early indicators are anything to go by, fans in Philadelphia have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.