Philadelphia Eagles fans have every reason to be optimistic this season with the addition of star running back Saquon Barkley. The renowned offensive player has already made a significant mark within his first two games, amassing an impressive 52 touches. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, Barkley had precisely 26 touches in each game.
In Week 1, Barkley averaged a solid 4.5 yards per carry, with 24 carries in total. He continued his stellar performance in Week 2, slightly adjusting but maintaining his high standards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry with 22 carries. Overall, his season average stands at an impressive 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest since his remarkable 2019 season.
This consistency and efficiency set Barkley on an ambitious trajectory, suggesting he could finish the season with 442 touches. Should Barkley maintain this pace, he would be the first running back to hit this milestone since DeMarco Murray achieved it in 2014 during his stint with the Dallas Cowboys. Although Murray's transition to the Eagles saw a significant drop in performance – recording his career-low of 3.6 yards per carry – Eagles fans hope Barkley will avoid a similar fate.
Nevertheless, Eagles’ management is acutely aware of the need to monitor Barkley's workload. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore expressed this concern, stating, "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it." Moore further emphasized, "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 remains confident and untroubled by the heavy 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. Our guys in the strength room and training room do a really great job of monitoring that," said Barkley. He further 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.”
Evidently, Barkley’s determination and rigorous training regime have prepared him well for the demands of the season. Moore acknowledged Barkley’s commitment: "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job."
Past precedents, however, do raise cautionary flags. Le'Veon Bell, for instance, had 406 touches in 2017 before holding out in 2018 for a lucrative extension. By 2019, despite his talent, he found himself with one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among backs with 250 or more carries. This serves as a reminder of the thin line between leveraging a player’s potential and risking overuse.
As the season progresses, the Eagles' strategy surrounding Barkley's utilization will be closely watched. While fans are thrilled by his performance and potential, there is a shared understanding within the organization about the importance of managing his workload to sustain his peak performance. Balancing the fervor of this high-stake season with prudent player management holds the key to maximizing Barkley's impact while keeping him healthy and effective in the long run.