Eagles could dominate with lighter Saquon Barkley load and more strategy
Eagles could dominate with lighter Saquon Barkley load and more strategy It sounds off base, but the Eagles would be wise to deploy Saquon Barkley less often.
It doesn't matter how often we watch the highlights or look at the Philadelphia Eagles' roster. It's still hard to believe Saquon Barkley sits atop the team's running backs depth chart.
Sure, everyone saw him last season, but in many ways, his presence still feels like a dream no one wants to wake up from. This, however, wasn't imaginary. In just his first season with the Birds, he pieced together the most outstanding season by a free-agent acquisition in the organization's nine-decade history.
No one will forget the 2,000-yard rushing campaign. No one will forget seeing him house one during Philadelphia's first play from scrimmage in the NFC Championship Game.
So, what does he do for an encore? Is it off the wall to suggest giving him a lighter load during the coming NFL season?
Featuring Saquon Barkley in an Eagles running back committee could be precisely what the doctor ordered.
In just one season in Philadelphia, Saquon won the Super Bowl and the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year Award. He was named a First-Team All-Pro. He led the league in rushing and grabbed another Pro Bowl mention and the Bert Bell Award.
That being said, no one would blame you if you're among the contingent who believe it's asinine to give him the ball less often, but he plays the game's most punishing position. Isn't it reasonable to state that moderate usage helps increase the chances that he'll be fresh once Philadelphia reaches the postseason?
Committee approaches have their advantages. If Philadelphia is interested, they have the necessary ingredients to field the NFL's best. They have the best player at his respective position (Saquon). They have a sledgehammer who can handle short-yardage (A.J. Dillon). They also have a versatile youngster, one who is an accomplished returner and receiver who can spell both with some quality snaps (Will Shipley).
Make no mistake. This is Saquon's unit. He's the guy, but he's also coming off a season where he led the league in carries (345) and touches (378). That's a ton and a heavy workload, even for someone as talented as Barkley. He's a threat to hit a home run every time he touches the ball, but that doesn't mean Philadelphia needs to burn him out by his second season.
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently penned his ranking of the NFL's best running back duos ahead of the 2025 NFL season. It's flawed. Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton make the list, but Derrick Henry and Justice Hill don't. That alone says a ton. Do what you will with that information, but here's something interesting. Barkley and A.J. Dillon both make the list, and they're ranked fourth.
Sure, no one has ever thought of Saquon and A.J. as a one-two punch, but if you look past that, an interesting point is made here. Give Saquon more help and, maybe, a few more breathers, and there's no telling how high this Eagles team can fly. This committee idea doesn't always allow individuals to shine, but it could turn out to be just what the doctor ordered.
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