How will everyone measure whether the Philadelphia Eagles have a successful season? By winning a second straight Super Bowl. Anything less will be seen as falling short.
To get there, the Eagles must ensure that everything that worked in their 2024 title run is either replicated or exceeded this season.
So what could stand in their way? CBS Sports writer Cody Benjamin raised caution on Thursday in a column titled "Fading Philly? If Eagles fall short in bid to repeat as Super Bowl champs, here are 5 reasons why." One of his biggest concerns: the toll on Saquon Barkley's workload.
Benjamin wrote,
"A heavy dose of carries doesn't always guarantee a subsequent breakdown, but in today's NFL, it's rarer to see a running back get the level of action Barkley got in 2024, when he led the league with 378 touches."
Benjamin noted that recent history doesn't favor backs in this position. Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs and Najee Harris saw dips in production or missed time the following season.
"Couple this with Barkley's own medical track record, and it'll be a bit of a stunner if the Eagles don't proactively try to lessen the reigning Offensive Player of the Year's responsibilities," Benjamin added.
McCaffrey handled 403 touches in 2019, then played only three games the following season due to injuries. Henry carried the ball 397 times in 2020 but fractured his foot in 2021, missing nine games.
Jacobs went from a rushing crown with 393 touches in 2022 to a career-low 3.5 yards per carry in 2023. Harris saw similar declines, with his rushing efficiency and receiving production dipping immediately after logging 381 touches as a rookie in 2021.
Barkley was the centerpiece of Eagles offense last season. That role isn't expected to change in 2025. Philadelphia will maximize Barkley's production. However, the team should make sure they avoid the costly pattern that has haunted other RBs.