Saquon Barkley's Impact on the Eagles' 2023 Season
Philadelphia Eagles fans are brimming with excitement this season, thanks to the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. The former New York Giants standout has made an explosive start to his career in Philadelphia, amassing a staggering 52 touches over just two games. What’s even more remarkable is Barkley's consistency, with exactly 26 touches in each game.
Barkley's performance on the ground has been nothing short of impressive. In Week 1, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry, handling the ball 24 times. Not letting up, he followed up with a strong Week 2 performance, averaging 4.3 yards per carry over 22 carries. These early displays have led to an overall season average of 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest efficiency since 2019.
His early-season pace is drawing comparisons to some of the most labor-intensive workloads in recent NFL history. Should he continue at this rate, Barkley could conclude his first season in Philadelphia with an eye-watering 442 touches. For context, the last running back to hit that number was DeMarco Murray in 2014 during his time with the Dallas Cowboys. Murray, of course, joined the Eagles afterward but saw a notable drop in his performance, recording the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6.
While this impressive tally drives optimism among fans, the Eagles' management remains acutely aware of the need to manage Barkley’s workload carefully. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore emphasized the team’s cautious approach, noting, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it."
Moore expanded on this point, highlighting the importance of day-to-day management. "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," he said.
Barkley, however, has shown confidence in his ability to handle a significant 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," he remarked, crediting the Eagles' staff. "Our guys in the strength room and training room do a really great job of monitoring that." Despite the regimented approach to his physical maintenance, Barkley remains unfazed by the volume of touches he’s expected to carry. "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 added with noticeable confidence.
His determination hasn’t gone unnoticed by Moore either. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," Moore acknowledged. This mutual understanding and synchronization between player and coach could be crucial in realizing the full potential of Barkley's contribution without risking burnout.
Nevertheless, history reminds us of the potential risks. Le'Veon Bell’s 406 touches in 2017 serve as a cautionary tale. Bell held out the following year in search of a lucrative contract extension and struggled in 2019, posting one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages among running backs with 250 or more carries at just 3.3.
The Eagles’ informed approach, combining vigilant workload management with Barkley's robust preparation, underscores their commitment to maximizing his impact while safeguarding his health. The strategy will be closely watched as Barkley continues to be a pivotal figure in the Eagles' offensive scheme.
As the season unfolds, both the fans' high hopes and management's prudent oversight will share the spotlight, with Barkley aiming to etch his mark in Philadelphia's storied football history. His start suggests he’s more than capable of shouldering the load, but the road ahead will be a test of both endurance and strategy.