Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles’ star running back, recently reflected on his varied performance following a hard-fought 21-17 loss to the Denver Broncos. With the team preparing for a Thursday night game against the New York Giants, Barkley acknowledged the challenges faced after a standout previous season.
Injury Challenges and Recovery
Barkley, who exited the game against Denver with a sore knee, is optimistic about his potential return to action against the Giants. The 28-year-old was placed on the injury report, but expectations remain high for his participation in a game against the team that drafted him second overall in 2018.
Previous Season Highlights
Last season, Barkley was awarded the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year after setting an impressive record for rushing yards, including playoffs. The Eagles won 16 of their last 17 games, culminating in a second Lombardi Trophy. However, his current season’s performance reveals some challenges.
Current Season Statistics
- Rank: 25th in rushing yards per game (53.4 yards)
- Rank: 39th in yards per rush (3.2 yards)
- Career lows in various rushing metrics: 1.9 yards before contact and 1.3 yards after contact per rush
Offensive Line Struggles
The Eagles’ offensive line, a significant factor in Barkley’s success last year, is currently facing difficulties. Injuries have affected key players:
- Cam Jurgens – recovering from back surgery
- Landon Dickerson – undergoing recovery from meniscus surgery
- Lane Johnson – recently missed time due to injury
This year, the offensive line has notably struggled, and Barkley’s rushing average before contact has plummeted.
Outlook on Future Performance
Despite these setbacks, Barkley understands the nature of the sport. He remarked, “Every year is not going to be like how I had it last year,” emphasizing that football can be unpredictable.
Consequences for 2,000-Yard Rushers
Historically, players who rush for 2,000 yards face challenges in subsequent seasons. Barkley has already experienced a significant drop in his yards per rush. In fact, none of the last eight 2,000-yard rushers reached 1,500 yards the following year.
Focus on Team Success
Barkley is determined to adapt to the evolving demands of the game. He aims to help the Eagles find their rhythm as they approach their NFC East matchup. “I’m not in the business of, ‘What, are we doing enough?’ I’m in the business of winning football games,” he stated.
Expanding on Receiving Skillset
The previous game showcased Barkley’s versatility as a receiver, where he scored a touchdown on a deep pass from quarterback Jalen Hurts. This highlights his potential impact beyond the rushing game, particularly as defenses shift focus to stop the run.
As the Eagles continue to navigate these challenges, Barkley’s ability to deliver under pressure and find a formula for success will be crucial in the coming weeks, particularly in their upcoming game at MetLife Stadium.
