For 12 games, Philadelphia Eagles fans have been waiting for the running game to find some life, with running back Saquon Barkley struggling mightily to get anything going.
Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata spoke with the media in front of his locker and commented on the running game. While Mailata acknowledged that he sounds like a broken record, he is confident that they are finally turning a corner.
"To be honest, as boring as this sounds, it's the same story every week. We are one block away. Got some new stuff in this week, but hopefully we can execute up front. That's all where it starts and that's where it ends. If we execute up front, take care of everything else."
Eagles fans are taking a "wait and see" approach
If Eagles fans are being honest, they have heard this story week after week, and nothing has come of it. Philly is ranked 22nd in the NFL in rushing yards with 108.5 yards per game this season.
The running game continues to be a struggle with Barkley having one of the worst seasons of his career, as he was rushed for 740 yards and four touchdowns. His 3.7 yards per carry average is on pace to be the worst of his career.
Every week, the Eagles fan base is sold on the idea that something new is in the offense that will help them get going. They are starting to feel like fools for believing it, but maybe fans can put on the clown makeup just one more time, as there are signs of something good happening with it.
In the Eagles' last game against the Chicago Bears, Barkley did have some pleasant moments of picking up yards on the ground as he averaged 4.3 yards per carry. Philly had to abandon the running game since they were down big and ended up losing 24-15, but the signs were at least there that something could happen.
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The bad news is that their upcoming opponents, the Los Angeles Chargers, are ranked 13th against the run, allowing just 106.9 yards per game this season. Barkley needs to find a way to break off a massive run, while Mailata and company need to gel together as an offensive line to make that happen for the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year.