Not only will the Green Bay Packers‘ showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles be the NFL’s debut in Brazil, but it also will be Saquon Barkley’s debut with the Eagles.
With such a big stage to show his stuff, Barkley is likely salivating at the chance to give the New York Giants a case of FOMO. However, sometimes the game script can go away from running backs.
Will Barkley light up the night? Here are three bold predictions.
Saquon Barkley will have under 15 carries
Barkley will get some looks in the game against the Packers. However, he won’t get spammed in the game. The Eagles running back will get the ball less than 15 times in the contest. It won’t be his fault or due to injury. Rather, the game will require much more throwing quickly, which will minimize the need for him.
He will get some looks through the air, but in terms of old-school sprints between tackles, he won’t get many opportunities in this game. This could be viewed as a positive, as it allows him to save his body for later in the season. However, it also won’t let him cash in on one of the biggest early stages in the sport.
He will have under 65 rushing yards
With fewer rushes comes fewer yards. While Barkley technically will have the chance to break through a defense to get most of his way to get to the coveted 100-yard mark, he won’t be able to break through in this game.
Whether it is because of the offensive line struggles, stout defensive linebackers, or a lack of experience in Nick Sirianni’s offense, Barkley won’t light up the night on the ground in Week 1. He’ll get one or two good-looking runs for first downs, but won’t get much more than that.
Saquon Barkley will score one touchdown
Barkley will end up getting on the board in his first game with the Eagles. It won’t be a flashy play, a trick play, or a finesse in a one-on-one situation with a defender. Rather, it will be a workmanlike goal-line ground-and-pound shoulder-ramming touchdown. The score will happen early in the game and will get Barkley’s Fantasy Football managers hyped.
However, after the early score, the team will mysteriously go away from Barkley in an attempt to get Jalen Hurts going. Hurts will hit a bit of a wall and by the time they try to get back to Barkley, it will be too late.
The Eagles will then pivot back to throwing early and often, but Saquon Barkley won’t get much more than a screen pass against deep coverage.
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