Former Eagles RB highlights Saquon Barkley’s surprising weakness
Eagles former RB Brian Westbrook is convinced he has found a potential weakness in Saquon Barkley’s game ahead of the divisional round match.
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Brian Westbrook and Saquon Barkley (Via Yahoo Sports/ESPN)
As Saquon Barkley navigated his journey with the Philadelphia Eagles, he established himself as the best running back, chasing after the highest single-season rushing yards in NFL history and contending for the NFL MVP. When he may seem nearly flawless, Brian Westbrook is convinced he has found a potential weakness in Barkley’s game.
The Eagles have dominated the NFC East division this season and it wouldn’t have been possible without Barkley, who made their running game nearly invincible. However, the former Philly running back has pinpointed a surprising weakness in the three-time pro bowler, highlighting an interesting aspect of his personality and playing style.
While many would expect a star athlete, especially a running back known for his power and agility, to exhibit a fierce competitive edge, Westbrook worries that Barkley’s niceness might sometimes work against him on the field.
“Saquon is so talented, Ike. I watch him every week and I’m saying, ‘Okay, there has to be a weakness in his game somewhere’. There has to be something that he’s just not really good at. Here’s a weakness in his game: He’s just a nice guy. He’s too doggone nice; he’s too unselfish.
Brian Westbrook said on Sports Radio 94WIP
Brian Westbrook says Saquon Barkley’s only weakness is that he’s too nice. 😂 💯 pic.twitter.com/jMpnobKlKz
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) January 16, 2025
The former NFL running back even shared a moment that made him realize this about Barkley. During the Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers, the first-team All-Pro passed up a clear opportunity for a touchdown on a breakaway run. Still, he instead chose to slide down to secure the victory and advance to the Divisional Round—something Westbrook wouldn’t have done.
Coach Sean McVay acknowledges challenge of stopping Saquon Barkley in divisional round
Regardless of what Westbrook believes, Barkley sure has made the Los Angeles Rams tighten their belts before facing the NFL rushing yards leader. Head coach Sean McVay gave quite an elaborate response when asked about Barkley ahead of their thrilling matchup on Philly ground.
He’s patient and he hits you for a couple of those runs but if he gets clean to the second and third levels, he’s such a slash runner and he has the speed to finish. That’s why he’s such a dynamic player. I think our sense of urgency will be appropriate for the task at hand this week.
Sean McVay said about Saquon Barkley
It’s quite reasonable for Los Angeles to be mindful before facing him, as the running back’s career-best performance has been against the Rams in Week 12 of the regular season. He destroyed his opponent by rushing for a career-high 255 yards on 26 attempts and two touchdowns.
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Pratyusha Srivastava
(2103 Articles Published)