Eagles' $26M Gamble on Saquon Barkley Fuels Super Bowl Hopes, Exposes Cowboys' Struggles

November 8, 2024
Eagles' $26M Gamble on Saquon Barkley Fuels Super Bowl Hopes, Exposes Cowboys' Struggles
  • The Eagles made a significant investment in Saquon Barkley, guaranteeing him $26 million, which could propel them toward a Super Bowl run.

  • Currently, the Eagles boast a strong 6-2 record and the second-best rushing offense in the NFL, averaging 174.8 rushing yards per game, with Barkley on pace for a franchise-record 1,966 rushing yards this season.

  • Barkley has demonstrated his prowess with 12 rushes of 15 yards or more, highlighting his superior performance compared to the Cowboys' struggling running game.

  • In contrast, the Cowboys are facing challenges with a 3-5 record and possess the second-worst rushing offense, averaging only 82 rushing yards per game, with their longest rush this season being just 15 yards.

  • The Cowboys' offseason strategy has come under fire after they let go of Tony Pollard and re-signed Ezekiel Elliott, who is currently averaging career lows in rushing yards per game and yards per rush.

  • Elliott's absence from the Cowboys earlier this season due to disciplinary actions for tardiness has further highlighted management issues within the team.

  • While recent data suggests that running backs have correlated less with winning in the NFL, the current free agent class, including Barkley, is challenging that narrative with impressive performances.

  • The highest-paid free agent running backs from this offseason, including Barkley, are among the NFL's top rushing leaders, contributing to their teams' combined record of 30-20.

  • Derrick Henry, another elite running back, is also in contention for a rushing triple crown, underscoring the value of investing in top-tier talent.

  • As Barkley and Henry continue to excel, Cowboys fans may start questioning their team's strategy, potentially calling for a reevaluation of their approach to running back acquisitions.

  • Historically, the Cowboys' reluctance to invest heavily in running backs has been justified, but the recent trends show that the 2024 free agent class is outperforming expectations compared to previous years.

  • Barkley's incredible athleticism was on full display last Sunday, with a remarkable play that resembled video game moves, further solidifying his impact on the field.

Summary based on 1 source


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