The Philadelphia Eagles fans have plenty to be enthusiastic about this season, especially with the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. With just two games into the season, Barkley has already demonstrated his invaluable addition to the team, racking up 52 touches.
Barkley's Performance So Far
Barkley's statistical performance has been remarkable, with an exact tally of 26 touches in both games. In Week 1, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry with 24 carries, followed by an average of 4.3 yards per carry on 22 carries in Week 2. These figures bring his overall average to an impressive 4.8 yards per touch, his highest since 2019.
This robust start to the season has placed Barkley on an intense pace. Should he continue at this rate, he might end his debut season in Philadelphia with a staggering 442 touches. This feat would match a milestone last accomplished in 2014 by DeMarco Murray when he was with the Dallas Cowboys before making his way to the Eagles. It’s worth noting that Murray recorded his career-low average yards per carry (3.6) during his tenure with Philadelphia.
Workload Management
The current pace raises considerable discourse regarding the sustainability of such a workload. Eagles' management is acutely aware of the need to monitor Barkley's usage to preserve his athletic longevity. Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore emphasized this approach, stating, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it."
Moore further elaborated, "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."
Barkley, however, remains confident about handling his responsibilities. "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." His rigorous training regime in the offseason and during camps underpins this self-assurance, "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."
Comparisons and Cautions
The conversation around workload management is not without precedence. Murray's experience serves as a cautionary tale. Similarly, Le'Veon Bell's career trajectory offers some lessons. In 2017, Bell accumulated 406 touches before holding out in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension. By 2019, Bell encountered a significant dip in performance with one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among running backs carrying the ball 250 or more times.
Looking Forward
For the Eagles, leveraging Barkley's exceptional capability while ensuring he remains fit and effective throughout the season is critical. The commitment to balance is echoed by Kellen Moore when he highlights Barkley's readiness and proficiency, "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job."
Saquon Barkley’s presence spells boundless potential for the Eagles. His start has set a high bar, but it will be the strategic management of his workload that determines the sustainability of his performance. The Eagles have an opportunity to not only capitalize on Barkley's talent but to also use their experience from past players’ trajectories to ensure he remains a powerhouse throughout the season.