The Philadelphia Eagles are set to continue their run-heavy offensive strategy in the 2025 NFL season, with star running back Saquon Barkley maintaining his pivotal role.
This decision follows a successful 2024 campaign where Barkley not only helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory but also set multiple franchise and league records.
In his first season with the Eagles, Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the league in both categories.
His performance was instrumental in the Eagles‘ Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs, where he rushed for 57 yards and caught six passes for 40 yards. Despite the modest yardage in the championship game, Barkley‘s overall contributions were crucial to the team’s success.
He also set a new franchise record for rushing yards in a season and became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.
Shift to a run-first offense
Following a 2-2 start to the 2024 season, the Eagles‘ coaching staff, led by head coach Nick Sirianni, made a strategic decision to shift the offensive focus towards the running game.
This change was influenced by the team’s strong offensive line and Barkley‘s exceptional performance. NFL analyst Greg Cosell noted that the Eagles‘ offensive philosophy evolved to prioritize Barkley‘s contributions, stating, “That’s the way they started out a year ago… then they made an organizational decision that we need to give the ball to Saquon Barkley and have him run behind the best run-blocking O-line in football.”
Quarterback Jalen Hurts, while still a key player, acknowledged the team’s shift in strategy. He emphasized the importance of winning over individual statistics, saying, “You know it doesn’t matter (how we win)… It’s all about winning.
That’s the only thing we’ve got to the point we are. So, it’s about finding ways to win.”
Looking ahead to 2025
As the Eagles prepare for the 2025 season, the coaching staff plans to continue leveraging Barkley’s talents as the centerpiece of the offense. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore praised Barkley as a “premier running back,” highlighting his skills not only as a runner but also as a pass protector and receiver out of the backfield.
Moore stated, “Saquon is a premier running back, first and foremost. We’re really excited about his ability to run the football.”
With Barkley leading the charge, the Eagles aim to build on their Super Bowl success and continue their dominance in the NFC. The team’s commitment to a run-first offense reflects their confidence in Barkley‘s abilities and their offensive line’s strength, setting the stage for another competitive season.
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