Nick Wright admits Saquon Barkley won’t be a difference maker for the Eagles despite ongoing hype
Saquon Barkley has not yet fully produced the desired results according to his draft hype.
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Nick Wright admits Saquon Barkley won't be a difference maker for the Philadelphia Eagles (image via Imago)
After a disappointing end to their Super Bowl hopes last season, the Philadelphia Eagles set about this offseason to fix some of the problems with their squad. They did get their hands on a few impactful players. But none more impactful than former New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley. Many analysts expected his addition would help the offense make strides. Unless that analyst is Nick Wright.
Wright was speaking with his co-panelists on First Things First on FS1. While discussing the addition of Saquon Barkley to the Eagles amidst the Giants’ contract issues, Wright voiced his opinion.
Saquon Barkley was one of the most dynamic college football players of his era, and as a rookie looked like a phenom. Since then, he's had one pretty good year, a handful of injuries and a bunch of 'ok yeah'. I wouldn't pay that guy, make him the 2nd or 3rd highest paid running back in the league on a 2nd contract for year six. I don't think he's going to be a difference maker for the Eagles.Nick Wright said
He is off the belief that Barkley has never had the impact on an offense the way Christian McCaffrey has. Wright believes the Eagles have overpaid. Nick Wright brings forth his logic from the fact that during his time with the New York Giants, other than the years when they had decent quarterback play, the offense has struggled. Giving proof to his logic that Barkley is not a difference-maker.
Rather, the Philadelphia Eagles should have paid him less, considering his injury history and his lack of game-changing prowess. Instead, he was handed a contract which should be given to someone who has a Christian McCaffrey-like impact.
Saquon Barkley can enhance Eagles’ offense
The prime reason the Philadelphia Eagles decided to sign Saquon Barkley was based on two factors. One is that when healthy, he can turn the game on its head. Secondly, his mere presence in the backfield will force defenses to be on their toes.
Presence can have game-altering effects. Defenses will be nervous as to which direction the Eagles will go on every snap. They have two elite wide receivers and an almost elite tight end ready to catch passes, then add in the stud offensive line. All of these factors will send shivers down the spine of defensive players looking to make a stop.
All that said, the asterisk is all that is possible if Barkley can stay healthy. But he is not expected to carry the same amount of load as it was with the Giants. With the Eagles, he can look to set new career highs in rushing as well as receiving on their way to a Super Bowl.
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Joseph Varghese
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