Philadelphia Eagles fans have a lot to cheer for this season with the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. Through just two games, Barkley has already racked up an impressive 52 touches, evenly split with 26 touches in each game. This balanced workload, however, raises questions about how the Eagles plan to manage his usage over the long haul.
Barkley's performance so far suggests he is in peak form. In Week 1, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 24 carries and followed that up with a 4.3-yard average on 22 carries in Week 2. These stats contribute to his overall season average of 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest since 2019.
Barkley's Impressive Pace
If Barkley continues at this pace, he could end his first season in Philadelphia with 442 touches, a figure not seen in almost a decade. The last running back to reach such a high number was DeMarco Murray in 2014 while with the Dallas Cowboys. Murray’s subsequent time with the Eagles was less than stellar, seeing him record a career-low average of 3.6 yards per carry. The cautionary tale of Murray’s tenure in Philadelphia is one the Eagles' management is keenly aware of.
Addressing this concern, Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore emphasized the importance of monitoring Barkley’s workload. "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," Moore stated, recognizing the need for a balanced approach. "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."
Managing the Workload
Barkley himself seems unfazed by the prospect of an intense workload. "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 said confidently. The running back acknowledges the comprehensive support system in place at the Eagles’ facility. "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."
Moore echoed Barkley's sentiments, noting the running back's readiness and enthusiasm. "I think Saquon—he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," Moore said, indicating that the team trusts Barkley’s ability to handle a significant role while also striving to manage his touches effectively.
Historical Comparisons
The Eagles' caution is not unfounded, given the history of running backs with heavy workloads. Le'Veon Bell, for instance, had 406 touches in 2017 and proceeded to hold out in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, Bell's productivity had declined, resulting in one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among running backs with over 250 carries. This highlights the delicate balance required to maintain peak performance while ensuring longevity in the grueling NFL season.
As the season progresses, the eyes will be on how the Eagles manage Barkley's involvement. His impressive start is a promising sign, but sustaining that level of play without risking injury will be critical. For now, Barkley appears ready and focused, supported by a team dedicated to leveraging his talent while keeping his best interests in mind.
Eagles fans, buoyed by Barkley’s arrival and early performances, have every reason to be optimistic. If the team can balance his workload effectively, the season could hold great promise for both Barkley and the Eagles, building on the foundation of impressive stats and responsible management.