Eagles Offense Stalls Below 4 Yards Per Play as Barkley Returns for Rivalry
Philadelphia’s rushing attack has been out-gained by the most in the league this season, but the 2024 MVP returns to the active roster for Monday night’s showdown with Dallas.
By David Marshall ·
The Philadelphia Eagles have averaged fewer than 4.0 yards per play over three consecutive games, a statistical mark not seen in team history since 1999. This offensive stagnation arrives just as the franchise prepares to host the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday night for Week 7. The Eagles are currently being out-gained by 108.3 total yards per game, the worst figure in the National Football League.
The roster has been decimated by injury this season. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the year after blood clots were found in his lungs. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith has also been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. These absences have left the offense struggling to find rhythm, with the team running the ball just 12 times in the previous week against the Carolina Panthers to gain 35 yards and a touchdown.
Running back Saquon Barkley returns to the active roster for the Cowboys matchup. He was listed as questionable with a hamstring injury earlier in the week. Barkley participated in practice on a limited basis on Thursday and Friday, and he was a full participant in Saturday’s session. His return marks a key moment for a backfield that has been inconsistent.
Barkley has rushed for 182 yards and no touchdowns in four games this season. He played on fewer than 16 percent of offensive snaps in half of those appearances. His season was interrupted by a stinger suffered in the opening minutes of Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans, followed by a hamstring pull in the first quarter of Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams.
When Barkley is on the field, the difference is clear. He has averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 36 attempts. Other Eagles running backs have averaged 2.8 yards per rush on 71 attempts. This disparity highlights the value of his return to a struggling unit.
The Eagles have won four straight home games against the Cowboys, a streak tied for the second-longest in franchise history. They have also won seven of their past eight primetime games at home. The upcoming contest against Dallas offers a potential turning point for the offense as they look to break a recent trend of poor production.
The Eagles host the Cowboys on Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field to conclude Week 7 of the NFL season.
Source: CBS Sports
