The Eagles' run game could be dynamic this season because running back Saquon Barkley, who is considered an elite talent, is playing behind one of the league’s best offensive lines. Barkley finished with 109 rushing yards for two touchdowns in the Eagles’ Week 1 victory over the Green Bay Packers last Friday. He was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, the fourth time in his career he has won the award.
“The beauty of it is going back and watching film,” Barkley said on Thursday. “I left a lot out there, and we have a lot of room to improve, which is not a bad thing. You don’t want to be firing on all cylinders in Week 1 anyways.”
When asked about the success of the run game, Eagles offensive guard Landon Dickerson said something similar.
“There’s a lot of things that need to be fixed and cleaned up,” Dickerson told NJ Advance Media on Friday. “I can do a lot better job than what I did.”
The Eagles finished with 144 rushing yards against Green Bay, which was the 10th best rushing performance from Week 1. Most teams would be happy with that outcome. However, the Eagles aren’t thrilled with the result because they could have finished with more yards. At the end of this season, they should rank higher than the 10th best rushing offense.
“We left some plays out there in the run game, too,” Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata told NJ Advance Media. “We capitalized on some and did great on others, but there’s always room for improvement. There’s a point where you can get to in the game where you have to make those in-game adjustments. I think we need to make some of them a bit sooner to further capitalize on the momentum we had going on the field.”
Mailata, who is playing his seventh season with the Eagles, said the offensive line communicated well on run plays. They figured out Green Bay’s defensive looks and were able to execute a lot of plays.
Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland has made his players better run blockers. No matter the situation, his players always feel prepared to make the right block.
“I think just the emphasis on detail and the technique,” Eagles backup offensive tackle Darian Kinnard said. “I think he really just focuses on how guards should approach it, how tackles should approach it, how centers should approach it. He just has so much detail for each position regardless of who is at guard, tackle or center.
“It also changes with the type of technique that the defensive players play and where they are lined up. The amount of detail is a huge advantage. I think it shows with this team’s run game and what they can do, especially now with having Saquon in the backfield.”
During his six seasons with the New York Giants, Barkley played behind bad offensive lines, so he always had to make something out of nothing.
Barkley can also erase Philadelphia’s mistakes by making a special play or two.
“Yes, yes he does,” Mailata said about Barkley helping them overcome their mistakes. “That happens sometimes. I would like to say that we’re a pretty smart offensive line. We are not the smartest, but we understand. We are coached with (a lot) of detail. That’s Stout’s standard. We try to just make (Saquon) run the ball. He made plays last week when our blocks weren’t good enough. Huge plays from Saquon.
“That’s the plus side of having somebody of his dynamic. That’s what he can bring. … Our job as offensive linemen, especially here at the Eagles, we just want our running backs to run the ball. We don’t want them to have to do that. We take pride in that.”
“Yeah, it depends on what the game plan is,” Mailata said about their identity. “If Saquon’s number is being called, then we know we got to tighten up our s***. We got to be able to execute these blocks and execute these plays at a high level, so that we can capitalize on the overall scheme because we are going to be running the ball heavy now.
“But those things can be changed from game plan to game plan and even in-game to in-game. Could go in there on the first play and we’ll be like, ‘Let’s go heavy pass.’ Then, we realize, ‘Actually, let’s go heavy run.’”
Barkley's Impact on Eagles Offense
Barkley's performance in the Eagles' Week 1 victory over the Packers serves as a clear indicator of his potential impact on the team's offensive strategy. His three touchdowns, a combination of rushing and receiving, highlight his versatility and ability to create big plays. The Eagles' commitment to a run-heavy offense, with Barkley as the focal point, suggests a significant shift in their approach, capitalizing on his dynamic skillset and the offensive line's strength.
Barkley's Historical Performance
Barkley's performance against the Packers holds historical significance for the Eagles. He became the first Eagle to post at least two rushing touchdowns and at least one receiving touchdown in a game since running back Jordan Howard on September 26, 2019 at Green Bay. He is the first Eagle to accomplish the feat in a season opener since running back Wilbert Montgomery on September 12, 1982 vs. Washington. Barkley's three touchdowns were the most by an Eagle in a debut since wide receiver Terrell Owens on September 12, 2004 vs. NY Giants. Barkley ran for 109 yards on 24 carries, marking his 18th career game with 100-plus rushing yards.
Barkley's Future in Philadelphia
Barkley's impact goes beyond his individual performance. He serves as a catalyst for the Eagles' offensive strategy, forcing defenses to adjust and allowing for a balanced attack. His presence provides a sense of confidence and reassurance to the team, knowing that even when the offensive line faces difficulties, his ability to make plays can overcome any obstacle. The Eagles' run-heavy approach, with Barkley as a centerpiece, holds significant potential for success in the upcoming season and beyond.
The Eagles' Run-Heavy Approach
The Eagles' decision to emphasize the run game signifies a calculated strategy. The combination of Barkley's talent and the offensive line's strength makes this approach a potent weapon, challenging opposing defenses and establishing a foundation for offensive success. As the season progresses, the Eagles' ability to execute this strategy will determine their performance and ability to achieve their goals.
A New Era for the Eagles?
The Eagles' Week 1 victory over the Packers was more than just a season opener. It marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise. With Barkley's arrival, the Eagles are poised to establish a run-first offense, emphasizing a balanced attack. Their offensive identity is still evolving, but with Barkley's impact and the offensive line's consistency, the Eagles are on the path to realizing their full potential, aiming for a dominant performance this season.
