Philadelphia Eagles fans have a new reason to be thrilled this season, with the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. Through just two games, Barkley has proven to be a formidable force, racking up an impressive 52 touches. The consistency in his performance is clear, having exactly 26 touches in each game. This level of usage hasn't been seen in years, setting the stage for an electric season.
A Strong Start
Barkley's performance in the first two weeks has been remarkable. In Week 1, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 24 carries, followed by 4.3 yards per carry on 22 carries in Week 2. This brings his overall average to a commendable 4.8 yards per touch, his highest since 2019. It's this kind of productivity that has Eagles fans buzzing and analysts re-evaluating their predictions for the season.
Pacing for a Record
With Barkley's current pace, projections suggest that he could end the season with an astounding 442 touches. The last running back to reach such a figure was DeMarco Murray in 2014, during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys before he moved to the Eagles. Unfortunately for Murray, his time with the Eagles was marked by a career-low 3.6 yards-per-carry average, a stark contrast to his performance with the Cowboys.
Such historical parallels raise questions about the sustainability of Barkley's heavy workload. Eagles’ management is well aware of these concerns and is keenly monitoring his usage to ensure longevity throughout the season.
Management's Perspective
Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore has emphasized the importance of managing Barkley's workload throughout the season. "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," Moore stated. He acknowledges the need for a week-to-week evaluation, 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."
Barkley's Confidence
Barkley himself seems unfazed by the heavy usage. "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 mentioned, displaying confidence in the Eagles' management and his physical preparedness. "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.”
Comparing to Historical Trends
DeMarco Murray isn’t the only cautionary tale. Le'Veon Bell, who had 406 touches in 2017, famously held out the following year for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, Bell's performance dipped significantly, with one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries. These examples underline the potential risks associated with such a demanding workload.
Balancing Act
Kellen Moore acknowledges Barkley's desire for the ball, stating, "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job." Balancing Barkley's workload while maintaining his peak performance will be a delicate task for the Eagles' coaching staff. Ensuring that Barkley remains fresh and effective throughout the season could be the key to the Eagles’ success.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Saquon Barkley. His ability to maintain this high level of play, coupled with the Eagles’ strategic management of his touches, could very well define their campaign. The team's fortunes and Barkley's legacy may hinge on finding that perfect balance between utilization and preservation.