Eagles Seek to Unleash Saquon Barkley Against Chiefs
The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for a critical matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, with a clear goal in mind: to reinvigorate their ground game by getting Saquon Barkley back above the 100-yard mark. While the offense is not fundamentally flawed, a strong performance from Barkley could ease the pressure on the defending Super Bowl champions.
A Musical Metaphor for Improvement
Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata likened the team’s recent struggles to a familiar tune, expressing his frustrations with Barkley’s limited impact in the last two games, including Super Bowl LIX and the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. “I feel like a broken record but it’s the same old song,” Mailata remarked. “We’re one block away.”
This sentiment encapsulates the team’s belief that they are on the verge of breaking free, and Sunday’s game against the Chiefs could provide the opportunity they need to do just that.
The Need for Patience and Execution
In the season opener against Dallas, Barkley rushed the ball 18 times but only managed to gain 60 yards. With Kevin Patullo now at the helm as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, there’s an understanding that Barkley may require more touches—perhaps even seven additional carries—to find his rhythm. Last year, Kellen Moore demonstrated a measured approach with Barkley and the run game, an approach that may be necessary once again.
In a previous encounter with the Chiefs during the Super Bowl, Barkley faced a daunting task, carrying the ball 25 times for a mere 57 yards. Despite these challenges, the Eagles emerged victorious, defeating Kansas City 40-22, where Barkley’s limited effectiveness went largely unnoticed in the celebration that followed.
Emphasizing Communication
As the Eagles prepare for their road game at Arrowhead Stadium, Mailata underscored the importance of communication among the offensive line. “That’s the beauty of playing for the Philadelphia Eagles,” Barkley said. “We have so much talent. If you take away one thing, we have the opportunity to hurt you in another. That’s just the mindset.”
Barkley remains confident that the team’s offensive versatility will keep defenses guessing. If the Chiefs choose to stack the box against him, he believes he can make them pay. However, the Eagles have also been effective, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions against the Cowboys and racking up 158 rushing yards—though this falls short of last season’s average of 190 yards per game.
A Historical Perspective
Interestingly, the Super Bowl marked the only time in 2024 that Barkley did not lead the Eagles in rushing, aside from a Week 18 matchup against the Giants where he was sidelined. In fact, Barkley led the team in rushing during 16 games and three playoff contests last season. In their opener, quarterback Jalen Hurts had to take on a larger role in the ground game, a trend the Eagles aim to change as the season progresses.
Mailata noted, “If you watch the tape, you can see it on the film and leading into this, we look at execution. So, that’s a major emphasis this week, and that starts with communication.” As they prepare for the challenges at Arrowhead, simplifying their operations and ensuring effective communication will be crucial.
The Eagles are poised to make their mark against the Chiefs, and with Barkley’s resurgence, they hope to hit the high notes they’ve been searching for.
