Saquon Barkley: Eagles Need Touch Management Strategy

Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles have been having it good so far this season, but there is one major call to be made over its superstar running back, Saquon Barkley. Well, after putting across the kind of performance he has done so far, Saquon Barkley has emerged as perhaps the cornerstone to winning for the Eagles. How the Eagles can minimize his involvement while still maximizing his efficiency, though, is a different question. This article addresses how the Philadelphia Eagles can win by being more disciplined by Saquon Barkley’s involvement while putting the spotlight on his magnificent performance.

The Bright Future of Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley
Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) hands off to running back Saquon Barkley (26) against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Since joining the Eagles, Barkley has been quite remarkable. He is currently in the lead to be the first to rush 351 yards into the NFL books with five touchdowns scored. The numbers for him are simply a testament to his well-crafted skills and sheer effort. The ability to break tackles and alter the game in its rhythm is why the Eagles need him on the field. No surprise there that fans are in awe just to see him back on the field.

It is pretty impressive on Saquon Barkley’s part, though it makes him a little too exposed to the odds if he’s used too much in the game. He is managing an average of 24 touches per game, which cannot be maintained throughout the season. The more he tackles, the higher the risk of injury. Football is one of those tough sports. And even the ultimate players get tired. The Eagles need to think long-term and keep Saquon Barkley healthy for key games down the road.

The Importance of Backups

Aiding his strong supporting casts, Kenny Gainwell and Will Shipley, Saquon Barkley hasn’t done much yet. Gainwell has had six offensive touches in three games, and Shipley has been untouched on offense. If that doesn’t change, it’s going to be a long year. It starts by getting these guys more involved. Then the Eagles can get Barkley some rest without sacrificing some effectiveness with the offense. For the Eagles to win games, they need balance.

The third game is just around the corner with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In this game, there has to be a total change of game plan. Ideally, the Eagles would love to achieve a three-to-one ratio of touches between Barkley and his backups. This simply means that after every three times Barkley touches the ball, one of his backups gets a chance at it. This will go a long way in keeping Saquon Barkley fresh and healthy so that he performs according to expectations when the chips are down.

Long-Term Focus

The end of the day for the Eagles appears to be to win the championship. While individual statistics are impressive, it all amounts to nothing when the team fails to win the game in the playoffs. As far as handling Saquon Barkley’s touches in the short term, the Eagles keep him ready for the hard games further down the season. Healthy Barkley makes all the difference between a good season and a great season.

Barkley even goes on to say that the game is not a cakewalk for the body. He knows everybody is sore and that he cannot be at 100% all season. He will bring a wealth of experience and outlook to the team. Getting on the backs of Barkley for keeping the team tight and in line will mean that his bench players are going to give equal effort and work to share the burden. That cohesion is what will make for a strong and cohesive unit.

Conclusion: The Bright Strategy of the Eagles Toward Success

The Philadelphia Eagles should be more judicious in the use of Saquon Barkley. It has been the goodness of this player that would explain why at times the team produced well, but overuse may cause injury to him. If they put the right use in these backups, Gainwell and Shipley, then Barkley will stay healthy and in shape for the big games. It is in this regard that the balanced approach will be able to take the Eagles beyond winning games and ultimately toward a championship. Teamwork, smart strategies, and the eagerness to shine in the sports arena will bring the Eagles to greatness this season.

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