Philadelphia Eagles fans have every reason to be optimistic this season, thanks in no small part to the addition of star running back Saquon Barkley. With only two games under his belt, Barkley has already made a significant impact, accumulating an impressive 52 touches.
In each of the first two games, Barkley handled exactly 26 touches, showcasing his relentless work ethic and versatility. His performance on the field has been nothing short of exceptional. Barkley averaged 4.5 yards per carry in Week 1 with 24 carries and followed that up with 4.3 yards per carry in Week 2 with 22 carries.
Record-Breaking Pace
Overall, Barkley's average this season stands at 4.8 yards per touch, a statistic that hasn't been this high for him since 2019. Given his current pace, projections suggest that Barkley could finish his first season in Philadelphia with a staggering 442 touches. If he maintains this trajectory, he would be joining an exclusive club; DeMarco Murray was the last running back to reach such a number, recording 442 touches in 2014 during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys before his stint with the Eagles.
However, history provides a cautionary tale. Murray, despite his incredible workload in Dallas, recorded the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6 during his time with the Eagles. Similarly, Le'Veon Bell amassed 406 touches in 2017 but struggled afterward. By 2019, Bell's yards-per-carry average had plummeted to 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries. These statistics underline the potential dangers of overrelying on a single running back.
Managing the Workload
The Philadelphia Eagles' management fully understands the risks of overworking their star running back and are taking steps to ensure his longevity throughout the season. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has been vocal about the importance of managing Barkley's workload effectively. "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," Moore acknowledged. "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 himself seems unconcerned about the toll such a heavy workload might take on his body. "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 noted. His confidence is evident as he added, "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."
A Star Performer
Kellen Moore's praise for Barkley has been effusive, reinforcing the running back's importance to the team. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," Moore commented, encapsulating the team's reliance and faith in Barkley's abilities.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Eagles balance Barkley's extraordinary talent with the necessity of preserving his health. The lessons from Murray and Bell's careers serve as reminders of what can happen when the balance tips too far. Through it all, Barkley's exceptional training regimen and the Eagles' careful monitoring will be crucial factors in navigating this challenging path.
For now, the excitement in Philadelphia is palpable. Barkley's performances have reinvigorated the fanbase, and his potential to continue this high level of play represents a beacon of hope for the team's prospects this season. As the journey unfolds, Eagles fans will be watching eagerly, hoping Barkley can maintain his record-breaking pace while staying healthy enough to lead their team to glory.