Philadelphia Eagles fans have every reason to be excited about the current football season, largely due to the arrival of star running back Saquon Barkley. The addition of such a high-caliber player has undoubtedly electrified the fanbase and added significant firepower to the Eagles' offensive lineup.
Through just two games, Barkley has amassed an impressive 52 touches, splitting them evenly with 26 touches in each game. His performance in Week 1 saw him averaging 4.5 yards per carry over 24 carries, followed by a slight dip to 4.3 yards per carry from 22 carries in Week 2. These solid numbers contribute to his overall average of 4.8 yards per touch, marking his highest rate since the 2019 season.
Barkley's remarkable start suggests a potentially historic workload for the season. If he maintains this pace, he could finish his first year in Philadelphia with an astounding 442 touches. For context, the last running back to hit this mark was DeMarco Murray in 2014, during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. Murray's following stint with the Eagles, however, saw him record the lowest yards-per-carry average of his career at 3.6, a cautionary tale of significant workloads' possible toll on player performance.
Le’Veon Bell presents another example; in 2017, Bell accumulated 406 touches. Yet, after holding out in 2018 for a lucrative contract extension, he returned in 2019 to one of the lowest yards-per-carry averages at 3.3 among running backs with 250 or more carries.
Managing Workload
The Eagles' management is well aware of the potential risks that come with such heavy usage. Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore underscores the importance of being mindful of Barkley’s workload as the season progresses. "Obviously from a longevity standpoint as the season progresses, we've got to be aware of it," Moore 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 feels confident about handling his current workload, attributing it to his rigorous training regimen. "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. "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."
Kellen Moore echoes this sentiment, attributing Barkley's willingness and capability to his preparation and performance. "I think that's definitely fair. I think Saquon -- he wants the rock. He's done a phenomenal job," Moore added.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Barkley and the Eagles' coaching staff to see how they manage this high-intensity workload. If Barkley can sustain his current performance while maintaining his health, he could indeed be on track to make a significant impact this season. The balance between pushing for success and ensuring player longevity will be crucial, making every touch, carry, and yard all the more significant as the Eagles strive to make their mark in the league.