Barkley A Major Key To The Eagles Postseason

Let’s get the disclaimer immediately out of the way. The Eagles’ modest two-game winning streak has come over the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders, who are a combined 6-24.

So, do we think the Eagles offense has been fixed because they averaged 30 points against those two sad-sack teams?

The answer is still inconclusive. But the offense has shown more creativity and some more life the past two weeks and the Eagles shouldn’t apologize.

One of the reasons the offense appears headed in the right direction is the presence of Saquon Barkley.

You remember him?

He rushed for 2,005 yards last year and sat out the final game to preserve him for the postseason. Then Barkley rushed for another 499 yards (5.5 avg.) and five touchdowns in four playoff games that culminated with the 40-22 Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

There were plenty of theories that Barkley would take a step back this year, simply because of the amount of work he had last year.

Between the regular season and playoffs, he carried the ball 352 times. That is 17.6 carries per game in the 20 he appeared in. Barkley also had 46 receptions, consisting of 33 in the regular season and 13 in the playoffs.

That is a total of 398 touches or 19.9 per game. 

The expected regression, at least statistically, has occurred, but there were other factors.

The offensive line hasn’t been nearly as dominant as a year before. In addition, opponents have better ways to game plan with an entire year of Barkley in an Eagles uniform on film.

That doesn’t mean that the 2024 season didn’t take its toll on Barkley, but recently he has looked more like his old self. In the last three games, and that includes the 22-19 overtime loss over a quality Los Angeles Chargers defense, Barkley has rushed for 332 yards and three touchdowns. That is a healthy 5.27 yards per carry.

Against the Chargers defense, he rushed for 122 yards (6.1 avg.) and a touchdown.

For the season Barkley has rushed for 1,072 yards (4.1 avg.) and seven touchdowns. 

While rushing for 1,000 yards has been dimmed as an accomplishment with the advent of a 17-game schedule, it still takes a good back to gain that many yards. Running backs, take the most pounding, and to be durable enough to rush for 1,000 yards means something.

This was also the first time that Barkley strung together two consecutive 1,000-plus rushing seasons since his first two years in the NFL with the New York Giants in 2018 and 2019.

Barkley has already surpassed his reception total from last year. He has 37 receptions, four more than a year ago, for 273 yards and two touchdowns.

We think one thing the offense could do more of is increase Barkley’s role in the passing game. Part of the problem is that he is among the best pass protecting running backs in the league. That’s good for Jalen Hurts’ safety, but it takes away a potential threat in the passing game.

Barkley remains a major key for the Eagles’ postseason hopes. When he is running at will, it changes the game plan for opponents. And it appears as if his late-season play is a positive sign as the Eagles prepare for the playoffs. Regardless if they are the favorites or not, if Barkley is on his game, then the Eagles can favorably compete with any team in the NFL.