Training camp is almost here for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the position battles are going to be incredible to watch.
Even with the drama of A.J. Brown gone, there are still so many great storylines to follow during camp. The Eagles have to make decisions at key positions like safety, wide receiver, and offensive line.
Despite all those stories, there seems to be a position battle that should be happening, but the team wouldn't dare entertain it. The question is why wouldn't they even think about it when it might make more sense than crazy (but still a little insane).
Why isn't there a position battle at RB1 for the Eagles?
Hang on, Eagles fans, Don't lose it right now. Let's talk about it.
This isn't meant to be a knock on Saquon Barkley, as he is a great running back and has been an impact player for the franchise over the last two seasons. It's hard to ignore the downward regression he took last season for the team.
Barkley went from rushing for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns with an average of 5.8 yards per carry in 2024 to 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns with an average of 4.1 yards per carry in 2025. Yes, there is full acknowledgment that the offensive line was banged up and former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo lacked creativity in the play-calling, but it can't all fall on them.
Backup running back Tank Bigsby had the same people around him, and he played at a different level. Bigsby had 58 carries for 344 yards and two touchdowns with an average of 5.9 yards per carry as an Eagle last season.
Of course, Barkley still has breakaway speed and can be one of the top players in the NFL, but he's 29, and the age is starting to catch up to him. He had some injury problems with the New York Giants in the past, and it feels like that is overdue to happen soon.
Bigsby showed great speed and vision that helped make the offensive line look better despite being hurt. He just looked like a more efficient back last season than Barkley did.
Read more: 3 young players that the Eagles should develop, 3 to give up on
This isn't meant to say that Barkley should lose his job because he 100% should be the starter, but why not have an open competition at running back? Give Barkley a push to improve and give Bigsby the respect he deserves for being a pretty darn good running back in this league.
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