Saquon Barkley has been unbelievable for the Eagles this season. Despite being a household name, Barkley has been more impactful for the Eagles than many people anticipated. His impact has also shown that paying running backs can be a smart decision. Running back is seen as a low value and replaceable position. However, Saquon Barkley is showing the league how much value a truly elite running back can provide.
Eagles Saquon Barkley Showing That Running Backs Matter
He’s Special
Everybody knows that Saquon Barkley is a special player. However, some fans forgot how special he truly is thanks to injuries and playing on bad Giants teams. Now that he is on a good Eagles team, he is getting the credit he deserves. His backwards hurdle against the Jaguars was utterly jaw dropping. Barkley might be the only person on planet earth capable of pulling that off. Nick Sirianni called it the best play he had ever seen.
The Eagles have had an effective running game over the last few years. However, that was largely due to their elite offensive line and Jalen Hurts’ dual-threat ability. The running backs were largely a product of their environment. Howie Roseman knew this and let both D’Andre Swift and Miles Sanders walk in free agency. Saquon Barkley was brought in to elevate an already solid running game. Roseman wanted an elite player who could elevate the system. There are only a handful of running backs that can do that, and Barkley is one of them. He has paid off the Eagles faith, and has been a difference maker for the offense. Barkley is also a high character player and a leader in the locker room. He is a player worth paying big money.
Return of the Running Back
For years, we have been told that running backs don’t matter. The argument is not without merit. It is a position where it is relatively easy and inexpensive to find quality production. Cheap, late round running backs often out-perform more highly touted, highly paid players. There was certainly a time where running backs were overvalued. After all, Mike Ditka traded an entire draft class for a running back. However, the market has shifted to the point where acquiring a truly elite running back is a great investment. Players such as Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, and Saquon Barkley have all elevated their teams offenses since changing teams. All three teams already had good running games before, but the elite running back has elevated them.
While a running back might not be able to make a bad offense good, they have the ability to make a good offense great. While D’Andre Swift and Miles Sanders were good players with the Eagles, Saquon brings a different dimension to the offense with his big play ability. He has made life a lot easier for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles passing attack. Barkley has proven to be a difference maker, not just a cog in the machine
Future of Running Backs
After being devalued for years, running backs might be back. With the difference making ability players like Barkley are showing, more teams will be interested in paying elite running backs. The changes in how teams play defense also help running backs. Teams play more two high safety looks than ever, which leaves less bodies in the box. An elite running back like Saquon Barkley can punish defenses for this. Ironically, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is among the biggest proponents of this style of defense. It limits big passing plays, but it is harder to play if you are getting gashed in the run game.
Running backs don’t matter has become a common saying. The concept is not without its merits, as teams used to overvalue the position. However, Saquon Barkley is showing that you can pay running backs in the right situation. Good running backs are easy to find, elite ones like Barkley are not.
Main Image: Bill Streicher – USA Today Sports
