If there is one thing the Eagles may regret, it is letting Kellen Moore leave the organization. While accepting the head coaching job with the New Orleans Saints was the right move for his career, Moore’s departure left a significant void in Philadelphia.

Following his exit, the Eagles promoted Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator for the 2025 season. However, the unit’s struggles ultimately led to his dismissal, and the team has since turned to Sean Mannion as its new offensive coordinator.

Saquon Barkley praises Sean Mannion and is eager to test new system

Saquon Barkley delivered an outstanding 2024 season but followed it with a disappointing 2025 campaign. The difference was evident: he thrived under Kellen Moore’s system and struggled to find the same rhythm under Patullo.

After multiple offensive players failed to meet expectations in 2025, the Eagles decided to make a change. The hiring of Sean Mannion has generated optimism across the locker room, including from Barkley, who believes the new system can unlock the unit’s full potential in 2026.

“I’m super excited about it,” Barkley told NFL Network about Sean Mannion’s system. “I’m going on Year 9, which is crazy to say, and I’ve had a lot of different coaches and head coaches and been a part of a lot of systems. I don’t think I really came across a system like this. For me, it’s refreshing. You get something new. You get to learn something new.”

Not everything depends on the offensive coordinator

It is well known that the Eagles boast one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. However, offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland departed this offseason, and his absence could significantly impact the group’s performance.

Still, Philadelphia will welcome back a key teammate of Jalen Hurts for the 2026 season, providing stability on offense. With Mannion implementing a new system, Barkley and the Eagles appear ready for a fresh start as they aim to return to championship contention.

Barkley appeared on NFL Network’s “The Insiders” and explained how he approached this offseason differently compared to earlier stages of his career. Now a veteran with championship experience, he emphasized longevity and efficiency over sheer power training, adjusting his routine to preserve his body for the demands of another title push.

“When I was younger, I used to get right after it… It’s still that mindset, just in a different way. I’m attacking the angles that I’m trying to get into. How can I get into my knees and my ankles better, my hips better, how can I continue to stay healthy? How can I just be a better athlete?

“It’s not really the mindset of putting 500 pounds on your back right now,” Barkley continued. “I’m working on trampolines. I’m working on (a) hula hoop of getting my body coordination back together. I’m super excited, and it’s new, and it’s different. But you want to play as long as you can, and I want to be super successful for a long time, so you got to change it up. And I feel like it’s been helpful. And I got a routine now that I love.”

Barkley’s numbers last season

After rushing for 2,005 yards in 2024, Barkley followed with 1,140 yards last season. While the statistical dip was notable, the broader objective remained team success. The Eagles finished 11-6, captured the NFC East title, and later fell to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC wild card round. Philadelphia relied on Barkley’s presence in high-leverage situations, particularly alongside quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert in the starting lineup.

There is no denying how critical Barkley is to the Eagles’ offensive structure as they prepare for another run. Maintaining strong chemistry inside the locker room will be essential, especially after moments of visible frustration surfaced late last NFL season. Still, team leaders publicly emphasized unity as the foundation for improvement.

Barkley on A.J. Brown’s Patriots support

Amid speculation linking A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, Barkley addressed the topic in a conversation with ESPN’s Dan Graziano. He made clear he was not speaking on behalf of his teammate, but he acknowledged Brown’s long-standing admiration for the Patriots organization.

“I will say this, I do not want to speak for AJ Brown,” Barkley said. “I love him as a teammate and a brother, but he is a huge Patriots fan. He’s one of those guys. Growing up, I was a Jets fan. My dad has a Jets tattoo. I was able to kind of move on now when I got to the NFL. He’s always been a big Patriots fan. I think this year, before Dallas, Tom Brady, he was throwing him the ball. So, for him, he was like a kid in the candy store. But that wink is just all fun and games, but I will tell. I will give the inside scoop. AJ Brown is a big Patriots fan.”

Heading into the final game of the regular season, there was a concrete possibility that Sirianni would choose to rest his starters and face the Commanders with an alternative lineup. Ultimately, the coach confirmed this decision, prioritizing the health of his players over securing the No. 2 seed.

“At the end of the day, it’s not a guarantee that we can get the two seed, but I can guarantee that I can rest the starters,” he said during the Eagles’ press conference. “I just felt that was the best thing for our football team”.

“I feel really good about the guys that are going to go in there and play — obviously you can’t rest everybody — we had a good week of practice and we’re going in there to try to win the game with some guys who haven’t played a ton of snaps on offense and defense but who have contributed. I just felt that was the best thing for the football team this week and moving forward,” Sirianni concluded.

Sirianni made this decision because the risk of a loss is minimal, as the Eagles would not move from the No. 3 seed even if they fall to the Commanders. However, a Philadelphia victory combined with a Chicago Bears loss to the Detroit Lions would give the Eagles the No. 2 seed, securing an extra home game in the playoffs.

Tanner McKee ready to take the field

This will be a significant opportunity for reserve players like quarterback Tanner McKee, who will replace Hurts and typically does not see much playing time during the regular season.

This will mark McKee’s second start of the season. In his limited action so far, he has been efficient, completing 65.9% of his passes with four touchdowns and no interceptions.

“Obviously, there’s excitement when you haven’t gotten meaningful snaps in a while, so I am excited,” McKee said during a press conference. “Coach was saying it before when we were talking about ball security, he’s like, ‘Oh, some of us haven’t gotten hit in a while,’ and he turned right towards me. I’m like, ‘Dude, it’s actually been a while since I’ve gotten hit.’ So, yeah, I’m excited to go out and play the game. It’s fun getting in a rhythm and playing football again. This feels familiar, and it’s great. I’m excited”.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said on Monday that he had not yet decided whether to play his starters against Washington. However, it appears that a few days later, that decision has already been made.

According to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles have decided to sit most of their starters in Week 18, including Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. With the NFC East title already clinched, there is little at stake for Philadelphia in the regular-season finale against the Commanders.

What would happen if the Eagles lose to the Commanders in Week 18?

As mentioned earlier, the risk is minimal for the Eagles in Week 18. They have already secured the NFC East title, guaranteeing at least one playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field.

Philadelphia currently sits as the No. 3 seed in the NFC with an 11–5 record, trailing the Chicago Bears. A loss by the NFC North team to the Detroit Lions, combined with an Eagles win over Washington, could move Nick Sirianni’s squad up to the No. 2 seed.

However, a loss to Washington would not drastically change Philadelphia’s position. The Eagles would not fall below the No. 3 seed even with a defeat, which is why Sirianni is expected to rest his starters and prioritize entering the Wild Card round well rested.

Saquon Barkley may prefer not to be benched

While Nick Sirianni has the final say, Saquon Barkley may attempt to convince his head coach to let him play in Week 18. The reason is simple: the star running back is chasing a significant performance bonus.

Barkley needs 87 scrimmage yards against the Commanders to earn an additional $250,000 on his 2026 contract. He has surpassed that mark eight times this season, including a 132-yard performance from scrimmage against Washington earlier this year—his second-best outing of the season.

Few achievements in the NFL carry the weight of a historic rushing season. When a running back takes control of the ground game, every carry becomes a statement, reshaping defenses and redefining what dominance looks like.

Certain seasons have stood apart from the rest. They weren’t built on highlight runs alone, but on week-to-week consistency, durability and an offense willing to lean on one player when games tightened and weather turned hostile.

These rare campaigns live at the intersection of talent, timing and opportunity. As the league evolves and rushing roles change, the question of which run truly stands above the rest continues to fuel debates rooted in numbers and legacy.

Eric Dickerson | Rush Yds: 2,105 – Season: 1984

In 1984, just his second year in the league, Eric Dickerson turned what was already a physical grind into an enduring masterpiece. Wearing the Rams’ uniform, he churned out 2,105 rushing yards, a mark that still sits atop the NFL’s single-season leaderboard decades later.

Unlike many record seasons defined by bursts of speed or long runs, his campaign was a display of consistent excellence — week after week he punished defenses with a blend of patience and power that allowed him to wear down opponents and amass a staggering total that, as of 2025, has yet to be eclipsed.

Adrian Peterson | Rush Yds: 2,097 – Season: 2012

Adrian Peterson’s 2012 season with the Vikings was the closest any back has come to toppling Dickerson’s mark, finishing with 2,097 rushing yards in an era increasingly dominated by the pass.

What made his accomplishment compelling wasn’t just the volume — it was the context: He had returned from a serious knee injury suffered the previous year, and still produced one of the most physically dominant seasons in modern football, pacing his carries with brutal effectiveness and leading Minnesota into the postseason.

Jamal Lewis | Rush Yds: 2,066 – Season: 2003

Few single-season performances carry the same mix of resilience and raw force as Jamal Lewis’ 2003 campaign. Coming off a devastating ACL tear just two years prior, he bulldozed his way to 2,066 rushing yards for the Ravens, an output that came within striking distance of the all-time record.

That season wasn’t just about volume — early on, he posted a 295-yard rushing game, briefly setting a single-game NFL mark. His potent combination of size and speed turned the Ravens’ ground game into an unstoppable force, and his work that year earned him league honors and a place among the rare 2,000-yard club.

Barry Sanders | Rush Yds: 2,053 – Season: 1997

Barry Sanders’ 1997 season with the Detroit Lions was a breathtaking paradox: surreal athleticism wrapped in unrelenting consistency. Amassing 2,053 yards on the ground, he averaged over six yards per attempt and put together a string of big games that kept defenses guessing.

His style married balance and creativity — defenders never seemed to know which way he would cut — and his ability to convert small openings into massive gains became iconic. Even in a career filled with jaw-dropping highlights, the ’97 campaign stands as a testament to his unique blend of grace and production.

Derrick Henry | Rush Yds: 2,027 – Season: 2020

Derrick Henry’s 2020 season was a throwback to the era of the true workhorse back, a punishing display of brute strength and sheer consistency. At a time when many teams favor running back committees, he dominated the Titans’ offense, bulldozing defenders en route to 2,027 rushing yards.

His 2020 performance wasn’t just a statistical achievement — it was a physical statement. Week after week, he proved capable of wearing down opponents late in games, showcasing a blend of power and durability that helped cement his legacy as one of the premier backs of his generation.

Terrell Davis | Rush Yds: 2,008 – Season: 1998

Terrell Davis’ 1998 season wasn’t just prolific — it was efficient, relentless, and perfectly timed. As the engine of a Broncos team chasing another Super Bowl, he piled up 2,008 rushing yards while balancing volume with postseason ambitions.

His regular-season dominance flowed seamlessly into January, where he added a historic playoff run that cemented the year as one of the most complete rushing campaigns the league has seen. He didn’t chase records; the records followed him as Denver leaned on his vision and burst in every meaningful moment.

Chris Johnson | Rush Yds: 2,006 – Season: 2009

Speed defined Chris Johnson’s 2009 season, but it was his endurance that pushed him into history. Nicknamed “CJ2K”, the Titans back broke the 2,000-yard barrier with 2,006 yards, turning routine handoffs into track-meet finishes.

His ability to flip field position in seconds changed defensive game plans weekly, forcing opponents to defend every blade of grass. His season remains one of the clearest examples of how explosive playmaking can coexist with sustained production across a full NFL schedule.

Saquon Barkley | Rush Yds: 2,005 – Season: 2024

What Saquon Barkley orchestrated in 2024 was more than just a statistical anomaly; it was a high-stakes redemption arc played out on the national stage. After years of carrying a heavy burden in New York, his move to the Philadelphia Eagles unlocked a terrifying final form. Behind one of the league’s most dominant offensive lines, he transformed from a focal point into a force of nature.

His season will forever be remembered for the “reverse hurdle”—a gravity-defying, no-look leap over a defender that redefined what is physically possible on a football field. However, the true substance of his year lay in his punishing consistency. He became the eighth man in NFL history to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark, securing his place in the pantheon during a clinical late-season stretch.

O.J. Simpson | Rush Yds: 2,003 – Season: 1973

Long before 17-game seasons and modern offensive schemes, O.J. Simpson delivered a rushing season that felt almost untouchable for its time. In 1973, he rushed for 2,003 yards in just 14 games, an achievement that redefined what was considered possible in the ground game.

His dominance came in an era stacked boxes and fewer offensive advantages, making the per-game output as striking as the final total. Decades later, that season still carries an aura of historical gravity.

Earl Campbell | Rush Yds: 1,934 – Season: 1980

Earl Campbell’s 1980 campaign with the Oilers didn’t need a 2,000-yard total to feel overwhelming. With 1,934 rushing yards, he turned every carry into a collision, imposing a physical toll that reshaped games and seasons alike.

His style was less about evasion and more about inevitability — defenders knew what was coming and still struggled to stop it. That year stands as a reminder that dominance isn’t always measured by round numbers, but by the impact left behind.

John Clark of NBC Sports shared Barkley’s recent comments. “Saquon Barkley says the Eagles always have conversations about getting the offense better. He says no matter if they score 10 points or 40 points, they are trying to find ways to be better,” Clark wrote on X.

The clear objective is to demonstrate that things can and will improve, starting with their next game. “He says a lot of times if they only score 10 points like they did Monday night, they will lose. The focus is on being better offensively against the Lions.”

Offensive coordinator agrees with Barkley

In recent comments, Eagles Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo was asked whether wide receiver A.J. Brown’s struggles were due to difficult opposing defensive lines. Patullo avoided mentioning the player directly, but affirmed that overall, the unit has been working hard to improve.

“I think if you look at the style of defense we’ve played this year kind of on a consistent basis, we’ve played top-tier defenses in the pass rush and things like that. We’ve done a pretty good job against them…” Patullo said.

“I wouldn’t say it’s the same thing every week. I think we’re kind of in those spots where when you’re game planning, you’re still constantly adjusting. I know this year more than before, we’ve had a lot of different things once we get out there and we’re adjusting constantly.”

“Meanwhile, Barkley says he’s not concerned about his groin injury. Says he’s dealt with it before. As for whether he pushed to get back in the game, he said, ‘I went out swinging, I’ll say that,’” reported Mike Garafolo on X.

It was toward the end of the third quarter against the Giants that Barkley appeared to be struggling while running; he was visibly hobbling after a play where he nearly helped the Eagles score. Fortunately, he did not require assistance to leave the field.

Will Barkley be available against the Packers?

According to Barkley himself, it is likely he will be available for the game against the Packers. “Saquon Barkley seems confident he will be able to play vs Green Bay despite a groin injury keeping him out for part of the game today,” reported Eliot Shorr-Parks on X.

It is worth noting that Week 9 is the Eagles’ bye week, meaning Barkley will have time to recover and improve from the groin injury before returning to play the Packers on the road. Following that, they face a major matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 11.

So far this season, Barkley has logged 369 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. While it hasn’t been his best start to a season, he is averaging 52.7 yards per game, which is reasonably close to his career average of 78.2, though there is still plenty of football left to play this season.

If there is a team with no margin for error is the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite being the Super Bowl champions, this season has been filled with drama and it’s only Week 6. After the team’s second straight loss, this time against the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football, running back Saquon Barkley revealed what the team is missing to get back on track.

Barkley ran for 58 yards on Thursday and this marks a six-week span where he hasn’t even rushed for 90 yards. Barkley is one of the most elite running backs of this era so he knows something is not right with the team.

“Last year, do you think we were predictable? Everybody knew we were running the ball,” Barkley said after the Giants game. “We still got it off. I also think we got to get back to the attitude, the mindset of, not really giving a f—k what people are trying to do. That’s something that I’m definitely looking for.”

Barkley is not the only star struggling

Yes, the Eagles are known for their great running game. However, they also have one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL. That unit is also suffering a down year. In fact, AJ Brown, has been more active on his social media sending cryptic messages to his team than in most games. He’s only gotten double-digit targets once this season.

Brown has only had one 100-yard game but he is not the only one in trouble here. DeVonta Smith is arguably the NFL’s best WR2, but just as Brown, he only has one double-digit target, 100-yard game. That is not good enough.

Sirianni must prove himself

It’s really weird to say that a head coach that has gone to two Super Bowls in the last three years, winning one of them in dominating fashion, needs to prove himself, but here we are. Sirianni’s successful era in Philly has also been filled with locker room drama. Not only that, but he is facing accusations of being very coordinator-dependent.

The two seasons were the Eagles have gone to the Super Bowl, they’ve had incredible coordinators. This time, they lost former OC Kellen Moore to the Saints as he became the head coach in New Orleans. Kevin Patullo, who is the new OC, hasn’t been able to make this a cohesive unit, and Sirianni as head coach hasn’t been able to get the troops going.

The Philadelphia Eagles open Week 6 of the NFL season on Thursday Night Football against NFC East rivals, the New York Giants. However, the offense is not having its best days and Saquon Barkley appeared in the injury report. Will he play tonight?

Don’t worry Eagles fans or Barkley‘s Fantasy owners, the star running back was able to log a full practice on Wednesday and has no injury designation heading into the game, so he will play without any issues.

As Barkley said himself, it was “just some general soreness. I’m excited to go play” against his former team, the Giants. Barkley played his first six seasons for the Giants before the team went ahead and let him hit free agency.

The RB duel will be awesome

Few things are as terrifying as having an excited Saquon Barkley go and ball out against you but the Giants earned that by letting him hit free agency. However, to respond to that the G-Men now have one of the most energetic and crazy backs in the NFL. Enter the scene, Cam Skattebo.

The rookie is a savage and he passes that sentiment all throughout the roster. Him and Barkley are having similar seasons. Barkley has 267 yards and Skattebo has 240 on 20 less carries. While Skattebo runs 3.8 yards per attempt, Barkley is averaging 3.2 yards per carry.

Eagles are dominating the Giants lately

The Eagles are a much better team than the Giants and it’s not even close. One is the Super Bowl champion, the other is not even going to the playoffs. Therefore, it’s no surprise to see how the Eagles have completely dominated their divisional rivals in the past eight games.

Philadelphia won seven out of the last eight games played vs. New York. That includes a 38-7 thrashing in the 2022 playoffs. It seems like no matter what, the Eagles are always able to get the win.

In 2023, the Giants opted not to give Barkley a contract extension. He left as a free agent in the 2024 offseason and signed with the Eagles, but the story could have turned out very differently.

According to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, Barkley asked the Giants to let him seek a trade in 2023. However, the club rejected his request and instead watched him leave as a free agent, receiving nothing in return.

Saquon Barkley asked the Giants to trade him, but the club rejected his request

A new documentary about Barkley is set to launch on Prime Video on Thursday. That same night, he will face the Giants for the second time since his move to the Eagles.

In the documentary, it is revealed that Barkley gave the Giants a chance to get something in return for him. Nevertheless, the front office denied his request to seek a trade and instead let him walk as a free agent a year later.

“I’m not going to do that,” Giants co-owner John Mara told Barkley back in 2023 about his trade request. “That makes no sense for us. To be honest with you, it’s not going to be in your long-term best interest to do that. There’s no way that I would allow that at this point. You are too valuable to this franchise.”

A series of unfortunate events

The Giants’ reason for not giving Barkley an extension was because they prioritized Daniel Jones. The NFC East club saw the quarterback as the team’s main need and considered the running back expendable.

Jones was released during the 2024 season and is now thriving with the Colts. Barkley won a Super Bowl in his first season with the Eagles, leaving the Giants to rue several major front-office missteps.

The Philadelphia Eagles didn’t practice on Monday but if they would have, star running back Saquon Barkley wouldn’t have missed it. He appeared in the team’s injury report with a knee injury. The team has other options on the depth chart albeit not as good as him.

If something were to happen to Barkley, the Eagles have AJ Dillon, Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby to replace him. Still, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Barkley just has general soreness and shouldn’t be in jeopardy to play next week.

The Eagles’ depth chart is lowkey stacked, but given the fact that Barkley is a workhorse, the others don’t see too much action. Dillon was not bad in Green Bay, Shipley always makes the most out of his snaps and Tank Bigsby had a very decent season last year with the Jaguars.

The Eagles’ running game is not as good as last year

There is no doubt that the Eagles’ running game is their strength but the fact is this year is not even close to their level in 2024. Now, the regression was expected because 2024 was a historic season. Still, it’s way too much.

The fact that Barkley hasn’t run for even 90 yards in the season is insane given that he is one of the best running backs in the whole NFL. Barkley is not himself but he is also facing stacked boxes.

Are the Eagles about to blow?

There is plenty of drama around this Eagles team. It doesn’t look as the compact, focused team that won the Super Bowl. Receivers are calling out the coaching staff and Jalen Hurts, Barkley is not looking as great and it just seems like a ticking bomb.

Last year, it was the same thing, with rumors about head coach Nick Sirianni even getting fired. Then, the bye week came and the team just turned into a winning machine.