Saquon Barkley is already being eyed as a top non-quarterback MVP candidate for the 2026 NFL season, and honestly, after what went down last year, that’s saying something. Nobody forgot his incredible 2,000-yard campaign in 2024 when he absolutely shattered the NFL’s full-season rushing record and snagged a Super Bowl title. But 2025? It was a different story, and the buzz around him for this upcoming season is all about getting back to that elite form.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: 2025 Was Rough
Last season, the Eagles’ offense felt like it stalled out, and Barkley’s explosive plays just vanished. You expect a little drop-off after a monster year like 2024, but his yards per carry plummeted from a stellar 5.8 to just 4.1 in 2025. That’s a 1.7-yard difference, which is huge! He only managed four runs of 20-plus yards all season, the exact same number as quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Marcus Mariota. Ouch. The good news for 2026 is the offensive line is coming back healthier, which is massive for a runner like Barkley. Plus, there’s a new Offensive Coordinator in Sean Mannion, and while his full plans are under wraps, if he brings anything from his old boss Matt LaFleur in Green Bay, we can expect Philly to lean heavily on the ground game. LaFleur’s team ran the ball on the fifth-highest percentage of plays last season, so that’s a positive sign for Barkley’s workload.
Saquon’s Secret Weapon: Going Under Center with Gurley’s Help
Change is definitely in the air with Mannion at the helm, especially with his history of offenses that utilize the quarterback under center in a lot of packages. This shift directly impacts how a running back operates. To get ready, Barkley isn’t just sitting around. He’s been studying film of running backs across the league every offseason, always looking for an edge. This year, he went a step further, reaching out to his childhood hero and two-time All-Pro, Todd Gurley, for personal advice on attacking NFL defenses from under center. After a minicamp practice in June, Barkley was buzzing about it, saying, “Under center, you can see it a little clear. You’re not blinded… There’s a lot of unique things you can do… look forward to doing that. Probably be the most I’ve ever done it under center.” This isn’t just talk; it’s a proactive move by a guy who chose Philadelphia in 2024 partly because of their legendary offensive line.
Can Barkley recreate that multiplier season in this revamped system that’s looking at more wide-zone concepts? With a healthier offensive line and a coaching staff potentially committed to the run, his MVP candidacy isn’t just a pipedream. Keep an eye on Dontayvion Wicks too, the former Packers receiver they traded for, who caught 30 passes for 332 yards and two touchdowns in 2025 despite calf, ankle, and concussion issues. He could be another piece that opens things up. It’s shaping up to be an interesting season for Barkley, and all eyes will be on whether he can absolutely explode back to his record-breaking form.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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