Eagles' $26M Gamble on Saquon Barkley Fuels Super Bowl Hopes, Exposes Cowboys' Struggles
November 8, 2024The 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.
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Source
CBSSports.com • Nov 8, 2024
Cowboys vs. Eagles: Offseason decisions at running back magnified by how teams are performing on field