Saquon Barkley Struggles As O-Line Injuries Mount

Saquon Barkley has produced early-game bursts for the Philadelphia Eagles but has been bottled up later, averaging 5.1 yards per carry in the first quarter versus 2.8 the rest of the game and just 3.3 yards per carry overall through seven games — the lowest by an Eagles back in that span. In Sunday’s 28-22 win over Minnesota he had 44 yards on 18 carries (2.4 ypc), his fifth straight game under 60 rushing yards, and briefly left with a concussion evaluation before later registering a shoulder issue. Barkley has acknowledged responsibility for negative runs and shown visible frustration as fans and analysts criticize predictable first-down looks. Coaches must find a better balance between the run and pass while addressing on-field issues that have been exacerbated by offensive-line injuries and the loss of tackle Mekhi Becton. The drop-off is a sharp contrast to Barkley’s 2,000-yard season and has become a growing concern for the Eagles’ championship prospects.