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Sep 21, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaves the field against the Los Angeles Rams after the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Kevin Patullo addresses Saquon Barkley’s struggles ahead of Eagles-Bucs game

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles | By Gourab Saha | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 12:00 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense is drawing eyeballs despite a 3-0 start. It’s still winning the race, but everyone hears the strain. The ground game isn't roaring like it should. And all eyes are on the superstar of the running game, Saquon Barkley, and his offensive guru, Kevin Patullo. Especially now, as they're days away from a crucial NFC showdown.

The central question buzzing through the City of Brotherly Love is simple. Can the Eagles return to dominance if their superstar running back is merely average? Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo addressed the elephant in the room on September 23rd.

He acknowledged the run game’s early-season struggles head-on. “We're getting different things this year than we got in the past,” Patullo stated. He then immediately defended his star player. “Saquon was such a big part of our offense last year. Everybody knows he's a huge part of the offense.” Indeed, the numbers tell a concerning story.

Barkley’s 3.3 yards per carry ranks a dismal 27th in the league. Yes, 27th among running backs having rushed a minimum of 100 yards this season. This stat is a far cry from his 5.6-yard average at this point in his spectacular 2024 campaign. Meanwhile, the recent game against the Los Angeles Rams was particularly tough.

Saquon managed only 46 yards on 18 carries. However, Barkley isn't pointing fingers. “Obviously we’ve got to be better in the run game and that starts with me,” Barkley said Sunday. His team-first attitude is undeniable, but his personal frustration is palpable. But what is the root of the problem?

Patullo’s Perspective: Patience and Explosiveness

Patullo suggests it’s a strategic shift by opponents. Defenses are selling out to stop Barkley first, daring Jalen Hurts to beat them through the air. This has altered the offense's rhythm. The coordinator, however, sees the glass as half full.

Kevin highlights how close the team is to breaking big plays. He pointed to Barkley’s 13-yard touchdown scamper against Kansas City as proof the explosiveness remains. “If we were on the 50-yard line, it's a 50-yard touchdown,” he argued.

The Eagles' 3-0 record certainly softens the blow of Barkley’s slow start. This team finds ways to win, much like a gritty baseball team manufacturing runs without the home run. Especially the comeback against the Rams showcased their resilience. Barkley himself made a critical four-yard run on a key third down during that furious rally. Besides, his value isn't always reflected in the box score.

The upcoming battle against the unbeaten Buccaneers presents a perfect opportunity for a breakout. The chess match starts Sunday at 1:00 pm EST. If Barkley pops a 40-yarder, the Eagles fans will roar like 2008 Jimmy Rollins leading off. If not, the Birds still have Hurts, A.J. Brown, and a defense that scores. Either way, expect Patullo to keep feeding his star until the dam breaks. Saquon Barkley’s sledgehammer is still in the locker, and the Bucs might be the unlucky nail.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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