Saquon Barkley, the former New York Giants star who controversially switched to their NFC East rivals Philadelphia, was seen in Eagles colours for the first time on Tuesday.
A video clip shared by the Eagles on their official social media pages showed Barkley taking hand-offs from quarterback Jalen Hurts, hinting at how the two might be deployed this season.
Barkley, who signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Eagles after turning down other offers following the expiry of his Giants contract, is set to be the starting running back moving forward. The Eagles have been strategising on how to utilise Barkley and Hurts, both of whom are explosive runners, in the backfield.
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Hurts has proven his running prowess, scoring 41 rushing touchdowns and covering 2,503 yards in his first four years with the team. It seems likely that the Eagles will continue to rely on Hurts' running skills, possibly even more so this season alongside Barkley.
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The shared clip shows Barkley taking a hand-off from Hurts in what appears to be a zone-read option. In this play, the offensive line leaves a defensive lineman (edge rusher) unblocked, allowing the blockers to create large gaps on the line of scrimmage.
The quarterback then reads the edge rusher before deciding whether to hand off to the running back or keep the ball and run himself.
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens have perfected a play over the past four years that has made their rushing attack one of the most formidable in the NFL.
Jalen Hurts offers the Philadelphia Eagles a huge threat as a runner, and that could feel the benefit of Barkley's arrival (Getty)The Eagles have run this play before, but not consistently. However, with the acquisition of Barkley - potentially the best running back they've had in a decade - it could become a key part of their strategy.
Barkley hit the field for the first time this week, with the whole team set to unite from May 20, when the NFL permits 'Organised Team Activities' (OTAs). But Barkley and his teammates won't be in pads until late July, well into their training camps ahead of preseason games in August.
After a series of injury setbacks, Barkley may be eased into the offseason, with the team keen to preserve him and Hurts for the start of their regular season. The Eagles' second game of the 2024 campaign will see them head to Brazil to face the Green Bay Packers for the NFL's first game in the country, and a rare Friday night fixture.
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