The Philadelphia Eagles are sputtering on offense, and superstar running back Saquon Barkley looks like a shell of the man who ran for over 2,000 yards last season en route to a Super Bowl.
Barkley managed only 56 yards on 13 carries against the Chicago Bears in the Eagles' 24-15 loss on Black Friday. The notoriously explosive back couldn't break free for more than a long run of 15 yards, which, to be fair, Chicago's defense deserves some credit for.
But apart from the Bears' collective efforts and the inferior blocking Barkley is running behind this year compared to 2024, one Chicago starter believes the issue runs deeper than that.
Austin Booker feels Bears had superior competitive fire to Saquon Barkley in Black Friday win over Eagles
These are what you'd call "fighting words" from Bears defensive end Austin Booker. For someone who turns only 23 this month, perhaps it was a touch naïve of Booker to poke the bear with Saquon and the Eagles like this.
For better or worse, here's what Booker had to say about Barkley and Philadelphia's offensive unit, via ESPN's Courtney Cronin:
"I have a lot of respect for him, but we just wanted it more. That's what it came down to. I feel like our coaches felt that and us as players felt that all night."
Chicago reigns supreme in the NFC, yet there's a real chance that the Eagles could score a rematch in the playoffs. This Philly core is far more battle-tested than that of the Bears, so to me, Booker should've chosen his words more carefully.
At the same time, there's no end in sight to Barkley's plummeting production and the lackluster form the Eagles are showing on offense in general. As long as offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo is still calling the plays, Philadelphia's struggles should persist — barring a drastic scheme change-up.
As well as quarterback Jalen Hurts has played in two Super Bowls against Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs, he looks so pedestrian most of the time. If he's not throwing outside the numbers or scrambling to make an off-schedule play with his arm or legs, Hurts looks lost. The scheme often doesn't help him with many hot answers when teams stack the box to defend the run.
If I were Saquon, I'd feel a type of way about somebody questioning my effort or desire to win. I mean, wasn't he the primary catalyst behind why Hurts could play so well in the Super Bowl, and why the Eagles ultimately lifted the Lombardi Trophy?
Let's just say it's not a *Saquon talent issue* as to why the rushing attack has dipped, and why his yards per carry have fallen from 5.8 in '24 to 3.7 this season.
Read more: Philly sports media is starting to turn on Eagles' Jalen Hurts dramatically fast
Nor is it likely to be for lack of wanting to triumph on the gridiron. But go off I guess, Austin Booker.