Jalen Hurts’ Offense Likely to Alter as Eagles Transform Their Run Game With Saquon Barkley, per NFL Analyst

The Philadelphia Eagles’ recent signing of Saquon Barkley has sparked speculation about potential shifts in their offensive strategy, particularly regarding quarterback Jalen Hurts. This acquisition by the Eagles, despite their historical tendencies, speaks to Barkley’s potential to make a transformative impact on a team with championship aspirations.

NFL analyst Greg Cosell weighed in on this development during a discussion on the Ross Tucker Podcast, raising intriguing questions about the future direction of the Eagles‘ offense under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Cosell’s remarks suggest that the addition of Barkley could signal a departure from the reliance on Hurts as the focal point of the offense.

The potential shift in the Eagles’ offensive approach

He acknowledges that while Hurts possesses strengths as a dual-threat quarterback, there were also areas of concern evident in his performance upon closer examination of game tape. In the podcast, he said, “Very interesting. And it makes me think, and we don’t know any of this now in March, but it leads me to believe, is there going to be a little bit of a change in their offensive approach with the new coordinator and Kellen Moore? In other words, is the offense not necessarily going to run through Jalen Hurts?” Cosell hinted at the possibility that Moore’s arrival could prompt a reevaluation of how the Eagles utilize Hurts within the offense.

He further added, “They may feel that the run game needs to be bigger piece of their offense and that they want a back that theoretically and maybe even practically during the season.” Cosell noted that while Hurts is certainly a factor in the ground attack, the Eagles may be seeking to bolster their rushing attack by adding a dynamic running back like Barkley to the mix. This could indicate a desire for a more traditional, run-centric offensive scheme that relies on a workhorse back to carry the bulk of the rushing load.

Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley’s impact on Eagles

Saquon Barkley’s performance in the NFL, particularly highlighted by his impressive rookie season with the New York Giants in 2018, solidified his status as one of the league’s most dynamic running backs. Despite playing for a team in transition, Barkley’s exceptional abilities were immediately apparent, as he garnered the NFL Rookie of the Year Award and led the league with 2,028 yards from scrimmage.

Barkley’s entry in Eagle could spark a comeback similar to other top running backs like Christian McCaffrey. His new role with the Eagles offers a chance for him to regain his standing as one of the NFL’s most formidable running backs.

Meanwhile, the performance of Jalen in the previous year’s high-scoring showdown against the Washington Wizards showcased his exceptional scoring versatility, as he tied his career-high with a spectacular 42-point performance. While his performance was remarkable, it also underscored the importance of a potent run game for the Eagles’ offense. Similarly, a strong offensive game plan can greatly benefit a team’s performance. Thus, integrating a robust running game into the Eagles’ offensive strategy could provide valuable support to Jalen Hurts and the team’s overall success.

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