The Philadelphia Eaglesknow they need more from their offense followingMonday night's disappointing loss to the Chicago Bears. While much of the conversation has centered on Jalen Hurts, the offensive line, and Sean Mannion's play-calling, one of the simplest solutions may be giving Saquon Barkley additional opportunities to impact the game.
The Eagles' star running back showed flashes of his old form against Chicago, and it was an encouraging sight for everyone watching. With the Los Angeles Rams arriving in Philadelphia for a Week 4 showdown, Barkley could once again play a central role in the game plan, but it won't be easy. L.A.'s defense is allowing less than 3.8 yards per carry to opposing running backs this season.
Involve Saquon Barkley in the passing game.
The Rams have consistently
allowed running backs to contribute as receivers through the first three weeks. The San Francisco 49ers' running backs combined for six receptions against Los Angeles in Week 1. Cam Skattebo added four catches in Week 2, and Denver’s running backs added seven receptions against the Rams in Week 3, continuing a trend Philadelphia could exploit with Barkley.
Those numbers suggest there will be opportunities available if the Eagles are willing to take advantage. Barkley has only been targeted six times this season, resulting in three receptions for six yards.
That production doesn't reflect his full range as a receiver. Few running backs are as dangerous in space as Barkley when he gets the football with room to operate. Screens, swing passes, angle routes, and designed checkdowns could help Philadelphia create favorable matchups while also taking pressure off Hurts.
Stay ahead of the chains and keep the game close.e
One of the biggest reasons Barkley disappeared against the Bears was game flow. The Eagles fell behind, became increasingly one-dimensional, and gradually moved away from the running game despite early success. Barkley rushed for 82 yards but gained only nine yards after halftime.
Opportunities became scarce as the deficit grew. That can't happen again. If Philadelphia stays ahead of the chains, avoids penalties, and consistently creates manageable third downs, the offense will remain balanced. The Rams are allowing more than 100 rushing yards per game, and Barkley becomes significantly more dangerous when defenses can't assume the Eagles are throwing.
Start quick and let the offensive line build on early success
The Eagles quietly found something encouraging in their rushing attack against Chicago. Despite the loss, Philadelphia generated consistent movement with outside-zone and split-zone concepts. Barkley displayed patience and burst while taking advantage of several well-blocked runs.
Drew Kendall, in particular, continues to improve at center, and the Eagles should keep leaning into concepts that let their athletic offensive linemen move defenders laterally. The Rams know Barkley is the focal point of Philadelphia's rushing attack. They have been good versus opposing running backs this season. That doesn't mean they can stop the run if the Eagles commit to it. The formula was visible during the first half against Chicago, and there is no reason it can't be replicated against Los Angeles.
Barkley doesn't need 30 carries to dominate a football game. He needs opportunities. If the Eagles can start fast, mix him judiciously, and use him to extend drives, they may be able to involve him as a receiver, stay committed to the run, and let their offensive line build on some encouraging moments from Week 3.
Philadelphia can't expect an easy time here. This game may be anything but. Still, Barkley could be one of the biggest reasons Philadelphia gets back into the win column.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 3 ways Eagles can unlock Saquon Barkley against Rams
