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Saquon Barkley has already established himself as one of the NFL’s most dangerous running backs. The Philadelphia Eagles believe there are still parts of his game waiting to be fully unlocked. According to Tim McManus of ESPN, Barkley has expressed optimism that Sean Mannion’s new offensive system can create opportunities he hasn’t consistently received during his career. Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator intends to make that happen.
That last sentence is important. The Eagles aren’t changing coordinators and building a new system to diminish Barkley’s importance. Mannion is searching for ways to expand his influence.
Barkley’s ability as a runner will remain the foundation of his role. He can create explosive plays, make defenders miss and turn a routine handoff into a scoring opportunity. Philadelphia doesn’t need to reinvent that part of his game.
The greater opportunity may come before Barkley receives the football. Moving him around the formation could force defenses to declare their intentions. Motioning Barkley into the slot or aligning him outside would create favorable matchups against linebackers while giving Jalen Hurts additional information about the coverage.
Barkley can also become more involved as a receiver without relying exclusively on screens and checkdowns. Option routes, angle routes, and designed downfield opportunities would make it more difficult for opponents to treat him as a traditional running back. Even when he doesn’t receive the football, that versatility could create space for DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and Philadelphia’s other pass catchers.
Unlocking more of Barkley’s skill set doesn’t have to mean dramatically increasing his workload. Philadelphia should have the opposite objective as it prepares for another long season.
Tank Bigsby’s increased receiving work during training camp suggests the Eagles are developing another back capable of handling meaningful responsibilities. A dependable supporting group would allow Mannion to create favorable situations for Barkley without asking him to absorb every available touch.
The Eagles already know Barkley can carry an offense. The next step is making his presence affect every part of it.
Mannion’s system will ultimately be judged by production rather than training camp possibilities. Still, his early comments reveal the proper starting point. Philadelphia’s new offense will be designed around placing its best players in advantageous situations, and Barkley remains one of the best players in football.
The Eagles have already seen what he can accomplish as the centerpiece of their running game. Mannion now wants to determine how much more Barkley can provide.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Saquon Barkley could become even more dangerous under Sean Mannion
Continue reading...
That last sentence is important. The Eagles aren’t changing coordinators and building a new system to diminish Barkley’s importance. Mannion is searching for ways to expand his influence.
Saquon Barkley can affect more than the running game
Barkley’s ability as a runner will remain the foundation of his role. He can create explosive plays, make defenders miss and turn a routine handoff into a scoring opportunity. Philadelphia doesn’t need to reinvent that part of his game.
The greater opportunity may come before Barkley receives the football. Moving him around the formation could force defenses to declare their intentions. Motioning Barkley into the slot or aligning him outside would create favorable matchups against linebackers while giving Jalen Hurts additional information about the coverage.
Barkley can also become more involved as a receiver without relying exclusively on screens and checkdowns. Option routes, angle routes, and designed downfield opportunities would make it more difficult for opponents to treat him as a traditional running back. Even when he doesn’t receive the football, that versatility could create space for DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and Philadelphia’s other pass catchers.
Sean Mannion must balance creativity and preservation
Unlocking more of Barkley’s skill set doesn’t have to mean dramatically increasing his workload. Philadelphia should have the opposite objective as it prepares for another long season.
Tank Bigsby’s increased receiving work during training camp suggests the Eagles are developing another back capable of handling meaningful responsibilities. A dependable supporting group would allow Mannion to create favorable situations for Barkley without asking him to absorb every available touch.
The Eagles already know Barkley can carry an offense. The next step is making his presence affect every part of it.
Mannion’s system will ultimately be judged by production rather than training camp possibilities. Still, his early comments reveal the proper starting point. Philadelphia’s new offense will be designed around placing its best players in advantageous situations, and Barkley remains one of the best players in football.
The Eagles have already seen what he can accomplish as the centerpiece of their running game. Mannion now wants to determine how much more Barkley can provide.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Saquon Barkley could become even more dangerous under Sean Mannion
Continue reading...
