Eagles’ Rushing Attack Faces Challenges Despite Barkley’s Record-Breaking Season
The Philadelphia Eagles entered this season with the weight of history on their shoulders, following a remarkable rushing performance that culminated in a Super Bowl LIX championship. Saquon Barkley’s extraordinary 2,504 rushing yards during the postseason shattered the long-standing record held by Terrell Davis for over 25 years. As a team, the Eagles boasted the sixth-best rushing performance in NFL history.
However, the narrative has taken a different turn this season, as the Eagles struggle to replicate that success. With three regular-season games remaining, Barkley has accumulated just 940 rushing yards at an average of less than 4.0 yards per carry.
A Glimpse of Improvement Against Las Vegas
In a recent matchup against the struggling Las Vegas Raiders, the Eagles displayed a more robust running game, racking up 183 yards in a commanding 31-0 victory. Yet, even with this uptick, the team’s average per carry lingered just below the crucial 4.0 mark, settling at 3.9.
Barkley contributed significantly to this effort, posting 78 yards on 22 carries, along with a touchdown through the first three quarters. Meanwhile, backup running back Tank Bigsby added to the ground game, finishing the fourth quarter with 54 yards on 17 carries.
Despite the increased volume of traditional runs, the efficiency of the rushing attack remained a concern. This discrepancy was particularly evident given the game’s conditions, which saw significant wind gusts compelling the Eagles to commit to the ground game more heavily than usual.
Navigating the Season’s Challenges
As the season progresses, the Eagles face the challenge of finding a balance in their rushing attack. The high expectations following last year’s historic performance loom large, casting a shadow over the current campaign. The team is now tasked with not only enhancing their efficiency but also ensuring they can harness the potential of both Barkley and Bigsby moving forward.
With critical games on the horizon, the Eagles must aim to refine their strategy and adapt to the challenges presented by both opponents and the elements. The path to reclaiming their rushing prowess is fraught with obstacles, but the urgency to elevate their performance is palpable.
