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Kevin Patullo refutes Saquon Barkley’s demand amid run-game debate

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles | By Gourab Saha | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense is searching for its soul. Everyone keeps waiting for that explosive, defining moment. But the explosion hasn't come. Instead, a quiet, simmering frustration is finally boiling over inside the NovaCare Complex. It feels like a heavyweight boxer loading up for a knockout punch that never leaves his glove.

This frustration found its voice in a star player. The team, it seems, is waiting for a spark to light the fuse.

From Barkley's Frustration to Patullo's Response

That voice was Saquon Barkley’s. Following a dismal Week 6 loss to the Giants, the running back publicly challenged the team’s offensive philosophy. He demanded a return to a bully-ball mindset. "Last year, do you think we were predictable?” Barkley asked. “Everyone knew we were running the ball, and we still got it off. I also think we've got to get back to that attitude, to that mindset of not really giving a f--k what people try to do. It's little things. We're close. But to be honest, I'm tired of saying how close we are."

Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo was asked about the same. However, he pushed back on that specific demand.

"I wouldn't say it's been an issue. I think when you're in phase and we're on schedule, we're able to do that, but when you're not, it gets a little tricky because now the defense has got a different mindset," Patullo stated. "They give you more exotic things. It's not an advantageous look for the offense to just sit there and say, 'Hey, we can do 10 different things.' Now we're in a weird spot where it's like, 'Okay, we can only do a few things. They know it. So now we got to adjust a little bit.'” This sets up a fascinating clash of philosophies. The question now is, who’s right?

The stats heavily favor Barkley’s argument. The Eagles' offense is currently 30th in the league in total yards. Barkley is on pace for a paltry 921 rushing yards. That's a far cry from his 2,005-yard season last year. The big plays have completely vanished. This statistical freefall is no mystery to the men in the trenches.

Veteran lineman Lane Johnson pinpointed the problem, criticizing the offense for being “very predictable.” Jalen Hurts, however, refuted that claim. But what’s the real root of this supposed predictability?

It all comes down to early downs. The Eagles are constantly behind the chains. They face an overwhelming number of third-and-long situations. Defenses then know a pass is coming. This creates a vicious cycle that Patullo’s play-calling cannot escape. Even when the run is working, like Barkley’s 4.9-yard average in the two losses, the commitment wanes. He only received 18 total carries in those games. This strategic inconsistency is crippling the entire operation.

A Crossroads in Philadelphia

The Eagles now face a critical mini-bye week. They are treating it like an emergency off-week. Coach Nick Sirianni confirmed the staff is “looking at everything.” However, he firmly backed his coordinator, shutting down any notion of a play-calling change. The message from the top is clear: this is a collective fix, not a one-man problem. But the pressure is undeniably mounting on Patullo to find solutions, and fast.

All eyes will be on the offense in Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings’ aggressive defense will blitz relentlessly. This will be an ultimate test for Patullo’s adjusted game plan. Can the Eagles rediscover their physical identity? Or will the disconnect between the play-caller and his star runner continue to fester? The Eagles’ season trajectory may very well depend on this very adjustment. They must find a way to merge their desired attitude with an actionable strategy.

The Eagles stand at a familiar juncture for talented teams. They are caught between their immense potential and their glaring problems. The swagger of the defending champs is gone, replaced by hard questions. Finding an answer requires more than just practice; it demands a unified vision.

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

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