Saquon Barkley’s 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles was nothing short of historic, but one analyst is sounding the alarm on potential regression in 2025. After signing with the Eagles in free agency, Barkley delivered a jaw-dropping performance, rushing for over 2,000 yards and setting a career-high with 13 rushing touchdowns. However, PFF NFL Analyst Nathan Jahnke cautions that the veteran running back’s unprecedented explosiveness may not be sustainable.
Jahnke praised Barkley’s remarkable 2024 campaign, noting, “Barkley is a talented running back who dominated fantasy leagues last season with an unsustainably high rate of long touchdown runs.” While Barkley’s elite volume and talent ensure he remains a top-10 running back, Jahnke warns that touchdown regression is likely. Playing alongside Jalen Hurts, who has consistently scored double-digit rushing touchdowns for four straight years, Barkley faces competition for goal-line carries, making it challenging to replicate his 2024 touchdown total.
A Historic Season Sets an Unreachable Bar
Barkley’s 2024 season was defined by an extraordinary number of long touchdown runs. He recorded seven 60-plus-yard touchdown runs, including the playoffs, a feat unmatched in NFL history. For context, Adrian Peterson (2012) and Jim Brown (1963) are tied for second with four such runs in a single season. Barkley’s career total of 11 60-plus-yard touchdown runs places him second only to Peterson’s 15, surpassing legends like Derrick Henry, Barry Sanders, and Chris Johnson.
“Barkley scored 60-plus-yard touchdown runs at a rate that has never been seen in the history of the NFL,” Jahnke emphasized. However, he cautioned that such long touchdowns are inconsistent year-to-year, adding, “It’s implausible he can continue at the same rate.” Even with Barkley’s knack for breaking off big plays—he had four such runs earlier in his career—the odds of matching last season’s output are slim.
The Offensive Line’s Role in Barkley’s Brilliance
Barkley’s success wasn’t a solo act. The Eagles’ offensive line, ranked fourth in team run-blocking grade in 2024, played a pivotal role. Left tackle Jordan Mailata delivered one of the best run-blocking seasons in PFF history, while veteran right tackle Lane Johnson posted a career-high overall grade at age 34. Left guard Landon Dickerson made significant strides, and center Cam Jurgens held his own in his first year replacing Jason Kelce.
This dominant offensive line created the perfect environment for Barkley’s 2,005-yard season. However, even with this support, replicating or surpassing that yardage total in 2025 would require Barkley to maintain his historic rate of explosive plays—a tall order.
What Lies Ahead for Barkley in 2025?
While regression in touchdowns and long runs seems likely, Barkley remains the cornerstone of Philadelphia’s dynamic rushing attack. His elite talent and high carry volume position him for another strong season, even if he doesn’t reach the same dizzying heights. Jahnke noted, “He is still in a position to break more long runs than any other running back,” but expectations must