Philadelphia Eagles fans are buzzing with excitement this season, and the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley has a lot to do with it. With just two games into the season, Barkley has already amassed a staggering 52 touches, showcasing his integral role in the Eagles' offense. Notably, Barkley has maintained a consistent workload with exactly 26 touches per game.
Through his first two outings, Barkley has demonstrated his effectiveness on the ground. In Week 1, he averaged an impressive 4.5 yards per carry over 24 carries. He followed that up with another solid performance in Week 2, averaging 4.3 yards per carry on 22 carries. These performances have propelled Barkley to an overall average of 4.8 yards per touch, his highest since 2019.
A Heavy Workload
If Barkley keeps up this pace, he could finish his first season in Philadelphia with 442 touches, a mark not seen since DeMarco Murray's 2014 season with the Dallas Cowboys. Interestingly, while Murray set that high watermark, his subsequent tenure with the Eagles was less fruitful, recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6.
The specter of such a heavy workload looms large. Similar to Murray, another prominent running back, Le’Veon Bell, saw a significant decline in performance post a high-touch season. Bell had 406 touches in 2017 and was subsequently one of the lowest average yards-per-carry running backs with a mere 3.3 yards per carry in 2019, amid contract disputes and a holdout in 2018.
Managing the Strain
Eagles’ management is keenly aware of the potential risks associated with riding their star running back too hard, too soon. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has expressed the team's approach to managing Barkley's workload. "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," Moore pointed out. "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."
For his part, Barkley has demonstrated an understanding of the importance of maintaining his health and effectiveness over the course of the season. "I think we do a good job of managing that here," he said confidently. "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."
The Right Attitude
Barkley’s attitude towards his gargantuan workload is exceptionally positive. He maintains an unwavering belief in his preparation and resilience. "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 stated. Such confidence is refreshing for Eagles fans who have long awaited a player capable of making such a significant impact.
Moore has similarly voiced his confidence in Barkley's abilities and mindset, praising the running back for his performance and eagerness to take on responsibilities. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," Moore acknowledged.
Optimism with Caution
The Eagles' coaching staff and fans alike are optimistic about what Barkley brings to the team. However, they remain cautious, understanding the fine line between maximizing his talents and overextending his usage. The season is long, and the physical toll on a running back handling such a high volume of touches can be substantial.
As the Eagles continue through the season, striking the right balance with Barkley’s workload will be crucial. Ensuring he remains fresh and explosive when it matters most could be the key to a deep playoff run. For now, the spotlight is firmly on Saquon Barkley, whose early season exploits have breathed new life into Philadelphia’s aspirations.