The Philadelphia Eagles are still sitting atop the NFC East with an 8-4 record, but it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing in the City of Brotherly Love. A two-game skid has exposed a glaring issue that’s been simmering all season: the Eagles’ ground game just isn’t getting it done - and that includes Saquon Barkley.
After a monster 2024 campaign that saw Barkley rack up a career-best 2,005 rushing yards and earn Offensive Player of the Year honors, expectations were sky-high heading into this season. The Eagles certainly thought he was worth the investment, handing him a two-year, $41.2 million extension back in March. But through 12 games, Barkley hasn’t looked like the same player - and the offense has felt it.
He’s yet to hit the 1,000-yard mark this season and is currently on pace for just over 1,000 yards - a far cry from the explosive, game-changing runner we saw last year. The drop-off hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by former Eagles center and fan favorite Jason Kelce, who voiced what a lot of Philly fans are thinking on his “New Heights” podcast.
“I can’t wait to see Saquon Barkley running again, man,” Kelce said. “That’s all I want.
I know everybody wants to see the passing game. I want to see Saquon Barkley running through the fuc**ing line untouched all the way to the end zone.
That’s what I’d like to see.”
It’s not just nostalgia talking. Barkley’s ability to break games open on the ground was a cornerstone of the Eagles’ identity last season.
Without that, the offense has looked out of sync - especially in back-to-back losses to the Cowboys and Bears, where Barkley managed just 23 carries for 78 yards combined. That’s not the kind of production you expect from a three-time Pro Bowler who’s supposed to be the engine of your offense.
Part of the problem? Defenses are adjusting.
Barkley’s facing more stacked boxes this year, and the offensive line - while still solid - hasn’t been quite as dominant or cohesive as it was during last season’s Super Bowl run. That’s put more pressure on the passing game and quarterback Jalen Hurts to carry the load, which hasn’t always been a winning formula.
Still, there’s a belief inside the building that Barkley can be the key to turning things around. ESPN’s Tim McManus pointed out that while Barkley’s numbers are down, the Eagles’ postseason hopes may hinge on finding a way to get him going again.
“The ground game is vital to Philadelphia’s operation,” McManus wrote. “The Eagles need to figure out how to unlock Barkley if they have designs on making another run.”
And he’s right. When the Eagles are at their best, they’re balanced.
The run game sets up the pass, and Barkley’s presence forces defenses to respect every inch of the field. Without that threat, the offense becomes easier to defend - and the margin for error shrinks.
There’s still time to course-correct. Four games remain in the regular season, and the Eagles are in control of their playoff destiny.
But if they want to make noise in January, they’ll need more than just flashes from their star running back. They’ll need the full Saquon Barkley experience - the one who can take over games, flip field position in a heartbeat, and remind everyone why he was the most dangerous weapon in football just a year ago.
The Eagles don’t just need Barkley to be good. They need him to be great. And fast.