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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Saquon Barkley silences the panic born from his recent retirement comments
Sometimes, statements are made, and it's almost like time stands still. Many have been studied in history. "That's one giant leap for mankind"... "I have a dream"... "Give me liberty or give me death"... The Philadelphia Eagles have a few as well. Quotes heard by great sports stars won't be placed in the same category, but they were just as impactful when we first heard them. "We all we got. We all we need"... "Hungry dogs run faster"... "I had a purpose before anyone had an opinion"... Recently, seemingly out of nowhere, we heard another. We all love Saquon Barkley, but we didn't like what he said. In a conversation with fellow fan-favorite Chris Long, 'Saquads' discussed his mortality and possible retirement: "I'll probably be one of those guys that (will announce retirement) out of nowhere. I'll probably just wake up one day, whether it's next year or two years or four years, and just be like, 'Yeah, it's over." Hold on a doggone second! Where in the heck did that come from? Everyone knows good things don't last forever. At some point, Saquon will call it a career, but he's only played one year in green. He can't hang up the cleats already! Everyone's been waiting to hear from him ever since. Following Philadelphia's mandatory minicamp practice, that opportunity finally came. Saquon Barkley clears up the retirement confusion Philadelphia's mandatory minicamp session came later in the afternoon, after 2 pm EST. Head coach Nick Sirianni met with the media. Attendance at the ensuing Eagles practice was 100%. Players spoke with the media afterward. First up was Saquon Barkley. Though none of the questions he asked were surprising, it did come as a shock that it took so long to get to the retirement question. Eventually, he was finally asked about what he said, and thank goodness, he offered an answer that should make every Eagles fan and media member smile from ear to ear. Whew... That was close. There was hope that would be his answer. After all, he signed a three-year deal upon joining the Eagles. He signed a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension that included $36 million guaranteed and up to $15 million more in incentives this past March. Saquon has been a revelation. He makes one ask what might have been had he joined the Eagles sooner. We'll never know the answer to that question, but here's what we can bank on. We're overjoyed that he's on the roster now. In just one season, he joined the 2,000-yard club, won the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year Award, and helped deliver another Lombardi Trophy. Everyone has gotten greedy. Everyone wants more. Fortunately, it looks like Birds fans everywhere will get that wish granted.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles could dominate with lighter Saquon Barkley load and more strategy
Eagles could dominate with lighter Saquon Barkley load and more strategy It sounds off base, but the Eagles would be wise to deploy Saquon Barkley less often. It doesn't matter how often we watch the highlights or look at the Philadelphia Eagles' roster. It's still hard to believe Saquon Barkley sits atop the team's running backs depth chart. Sure, everyone saw him last season, but in many ways, his presence still feels like a dream no one wants to wake up from. This, however, wasn't imaginary. In just his first season with the Birds, he pieced together the most outstanding season by a free-agent acquisition in the organization's nine-decade history. No one will forget the 2,000-yard rushing campaign. No one will forget seeing him house one during Philadelphia's first play from scrimmage in the NFC Championship Game. So, what does he do for an encore? Is it off the wall to suggest giving him a lighter load during the coming NFL season? Featuring Saquon Barkley in an Eagles running back committee could be precisely what the doctor ordered. In just one season in Philadelphia, Saquon won the Super Bowl and the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year Award. He was named a First-Team All-Pro. He led the league in rushing and grabbed another Pro Bowl mention and the Bert Bell Award. That being said, no one would blame you if you're among the contingent who believe it's asinine to give him the ball less often, but he plays the game's most punishing position. Isn't it reasonable to state that moderate usage helps increase the chances that he'll be fresh once Philadelphia reaches the postseason? Committee approaches have their advantages. If Philadelphia is interested, they have the necessary ingredients to field the NFL's best. They have the best player at his respective position (Saquon). They have a sledgehammer who can handle short-yardage (A.J. Dillon). They also have a versatile youngster, one who is an accomplished returner and receiver who can spell both with some quality snaps (Will Shipley). Make no mistake. This is Saquon's unit. He's the guy, but he's also coming off a season where he led the league in carries (345) and touches (378). That's a ton and a heavy workload, even for someone as talented as Barkley. He's a threat to hit a home run every time he touches the ball, but that doesn't mean Philadelphia needs to burn him out by his second season. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently penned his ranking of the NFL's best running back duos ahead of the 2025 NFL season. It's flawed. Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton make the list, but Derrick Henry and Justice Hill don't. That alone says a ton. Do what you will with that information, but here's something interesting. Barkley and A.J. Dillon both make the list, and they're ranked fourth. Sure, no one has ever thought of Saquon and A.J. as a one-two punch, but if you look past that, an interesting point is made here. Give Saquon more help and, maybe, a few more breathers, and there's no telling how high this Eagles team can fly. This committee idea doesn't always allow individuals to shine, but it could turn out to be just what the doctor ordered.
