Jalen Hurts breathed easy as Saquon Barkley stole the show at training camp

Barkley Shows the Receipts

Barkley touched it 14 times and scored twice. He also talked smack to Jalen Carter between plays and sparked a sideline bounce that Thursday lacked.

Eliot Shorr-Parks noted, “I thought what he did between plays stood out a ton as well... I feel like Saquon showed up today and decided he needed to bring the energy.” The offense followed him like a drumline. Meanwhile, AJ Dillon loomed as a 247-pound insurance policy.

Coach Jemal Singleton grinned, "I’ve always said tired guys fumble. That’s where the depth of our position becomes really important." Dillon’s presence means Barkley doesn’t have to carry the entire load every week. Sustainability is key.

Barkley’s 2,005-yard encore in 2024 turned heads, but 482 total touches raised mileage alarms. Dillon’s arrival slices the load without dulling the blade. In Green Bay, he logged 178 or more carries three straight years. The Birds can now script a one-two punch that keeps both backs angry and healthy.

Sirianni seems to be preaching the 'fresh legs win in January' mantra. He echoed that stance on, saying, “We’ll rest them Monday through Saturday.” So, lighten the odometer, sharpen the sword. The locker room loves the plan.

The competition simmers. One standout practice doesn't win a Lombardi Trophy. If Hurts polishes the red-zone timing and Barkley stays spry, Philly’s offense can play chess while defenses play checkers. The parade buses still sit in storage, yet the hum of the engine is unmistakable.

Friday offered crucial glimpses. Hurts steadied the ship just enough. Sirianni saw progress. Most importantly, Barkley delivered a star turn, proving exactly why he’s here. He didn't just play... he energized an entire team.

As the old gridiron saying goes, "It's amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares who gets the credit." This Eagles offense might just be figuring that out.