The Philadelphia Eagles are turning to Joe Milton III to revive their struggling offense, but the quarterback change could also significantly boost Saquon Barkley's running game. Milton will replace Tanner McKee for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants, bringing mobility and a different physical skill set to an offense that has struggled to sustain drives. Philadelphia enters the game at 2-6, averaging just 17.1 points and 265.3 total yards per contest.
Barkley has rushed for 274 yards and two touchdowns on 56 carries this season, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. However, injuries and inconsistent offensive line play have limited his opportunities. The former NFL Offensive Player of the Year has averaged just 9.3 carries per game,
a significant departure from his workload during Philadelphia's championship season in 2024.
Milton's ability to threaten defenses with his legs could create additional opportunities for Barkley.
Joe Milton changes how defenses must defend the Eagles' running game
McKee operated primarily from the pocket, allowing opposing defenses to concentrate on Barkley without consistently accounting for the quarterback as a rushing threat.
Milton presents a different challenge.
The 6-foot-5 quarterback has rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries during his limited NFL career. He recorded 50 yards on five attempts with Dallas last season, demonstrating his ability to generate explosive gains when escaping pressure. Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion can incorporate read-option concepts, designed quarterback movement, and bootlegs that force backside defenders to account for Milton.
That added responsibility could keep defenders from aggressively pursuing Barkley and create better blocking angles for Philadelphia's offensive line. The Eagles don't need Milton to become a primary rushing option. Simply forcing defenses to respect his mobility could change how opponents defend the running game.
Giants' rushing defense presents an opportunity
New York enters Sunday allowing 128.1 rushing yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry, ranking among the league's least effective run defenses.
Those numbers give Philadelphia an opportunity to play a physical game and avoid putting the entire offensive burden on Milton in his first NFL start. Barkley also has an impressive history against his former team. In three meetings against New York since joining Philadelphia, he has rushed for 384 yards and two touchdowns. His status remains important after dealing with hamstring and back injuries. Barkley was limited during Friday's practice but carries no injury designation into Sunday's matchup.
Philadelphia must also account for the loss of Lane Johnson and changes along its offensive line. Milton's mobility can create opportunities, but it won't eliminate the need for consistent blocking and better execution.
The Eagles have struggled to establish an offensive identity during their six-game losing streak. A productive rushing attack could help stabilize the offense, shorten third-down situations, and create more favorable passing opportunities.
Milton provides another dimension, but Barkley remains Philadelphia's most accomplished offensive weapon. Finding ways to get him consistent touches will be essential if the Eagles hope to end their losing streak before entering their Week 10 bye.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: How Joe Milton could unlock Saquon Barkley's running game for Eagles
