3 realistic expectations for Saquon Barkley's third season with Eagles
· Yahoo Sports
Saquon Barkley has created a problem for himself, sort of. Think about the bar the Philadelphia Eagles star has set. When a player rushes for 2,000 yards, each season that follows is measured against that standard. It doesn't matter how unrealistic the comparison may be. Fans remember the historic campaign and expect something similar every time the player takes the field. That's the challenge Barkley faces entering his third season with in Philadelphia. The truth is, however, that another 2,000-yard rushing season is unlikely.
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NFL history tells us those performances are rare for a reason. Defenses adjust, workloads fluctuate, and circumstances change. That doesn't mean Barkley is destined for a disappointing season. It simply means expectations should be grounded in reality. So what would a successful third season look like? Well, it's good that you have asked the question.
1,350 rushing yards
No, we regret to inform you that Barkley probably won't threaten the 2,000-yard mark again. That isn't an indictment of his talent. It's an acknowledgment of how difficult that feat is to accomplish. Philadelphia will hopefully employ a more balanced rushing attack this season by including Tank Bigsby in the mix. A healthier offensive line should help create opportunities, and new offensive line coach Chris Kuper inherits one of the league's premier position groups.
If the unit performs as expected, 1,350 rushing yards feels like a reasonable target for Barkley. While 1,140 (last year's total) qualifies as an off-year, adding 200 more to the bottom line should pacify everyone.
20 explosive plays
Big plays are part of what separates Barkley from most running backs. A realistic expectation would be roughly one explosive play per game with a few additional splash moments sprinkled throughout the season.
If the Eagles' offensive line remains among the league's best, Barkley should have plenty of opportunities to reach the second level and showcase the acceleration that has defined his career. Also, by spreading the workload, he could stay fresh all season while much of the NFL is breaking down.
250 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns
Barkley's role as a receiver often goes overlooked. Sometimes, that's because of what he accomplishes on the ground. Sometimes, it's overlooked for a different reason. There are times his hands can resemble stone or a new toaster oven.
Still, 250 receiving yards feels like a fair baseline, though it would not be surprising if he exceeded that total. The Eagles have consistently looked for ways to get him involved in space, and his versatility remains one of his greatest assets.
As for touchdowns, a dozen feels like a solid expectation. Jalen Hurts will continue to claim his share of goal-line opportunities, particularly through the quarterback sneak package. Even so, Barkley should remain one of Philadelphia's primary scoring threats.
Another Pro Bowl season
The final expectation is perhaps the simplest. Barkley should make another Pro Bowl. If he reaches the benchmarks outlined above, another trip to the league's annual all-star showcase should follow naturally.
Whether that also results in First-Team or Second-Team All-Pro recognition remains to be seen. The important thing is remembering that greatness is not always measured by matching historic seasons. For Barkley, a successful third year in Philadelphia won't require another 2,000 rushing yards. It will require doing what he has done throughout most of his career: remaining one of the NFL's best running backs.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Realistic expectations for Saquon Barkley's third Eagles season