Packers vs. Eagles: A Lesson in Underestimating the Power of Saquon Barkley

Sat, Sep 7, 2024
by SetTheNarrative.cappertek.com

Packers vs. Eagles: A Lesson in Underestimating the Power of Saquon Barkley

Week 1's Packers vs. Eagles game in Brazil unfolded as a hard-fought defensive battle, much as I had predicted. Both quarterbacks struggled in the first half—Jalen Hurts threw a couple of interceptions, and Jordan Love missed open receivers, leading to an overall slow start in the passing game. However, what I didn’t foresee was the extent to which the Eagles would lean on their rushing attack, led by none other than Saquon Barkley.

In hindsight, it wasn’t so much a miscalculation as a misassignment. My models were right on the line, and I suspected the Eagles might move away from a run-heavy game plan, especially with the Packers’ solid front seven. But the Eagles defied expectations, and they didn’t just run the ball—they dominated with it. Barkley, now an Eagle after his departure from the Giants, carried the ball over 22 times, becoming the focal point of an offense that was, at times, in disarray. Despite their early struggles—fumbled snaps, missed opportunities, and turnovers—Barkley’s relentless ground attack kept Philadelphia in the game.

Even though the Eagles were trailing at halftime, their decision to stick with the run paid off in the second half. Barkley almost single-handedly flipped the momentum, giving the Eagles the consistency and explosiveness they needed to finally take the lead. Once they had it, they never gave it back. His performance was a reminder of how rare it is to find a running back capable of putting an entire team on his back and willing them to victory—something we usually only associate with Cleveland's Nick Chubb.

Jordan Love's injury while trying to rally the Packers late in the game only compounded their struggles. With the passing game sputtering every few snaps and Love sidelined, Green Bay couldn't muster a comeback. But it was Barkley’s presence that ultimately proved the deciding factor. The Packers' defense, though stout, had no answer for him, and his ability to find the hole in opposing defenses is something I won’t overlook again.

The lesson from this game? Saquon Barkley is a "rare dog," one of those elite few running backs who can win games for his team even when everything else seems to be falling apart. Philadelphia, on paper, should have lost this game, but Barkley’s determination and strength swung the outcome in their favor. Going forward, I’ll be sure to account for the potential game-changing impact of a back like Barkley in my predictions.