Lane Johnson: Eagles will see the Saquon from two years ago
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson says a more productive run game under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion should bring back the explosive Saquon Barkley from two years ago, with big plays, flex looks at wide receiver, and screen work returning as the offense shifts schemes. Speaking Wednesday at joint practice with the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Johnson praised how wide run plays fit Barkley's ability.
Key Takeaways
- Lane Johnson expects run-game efficiency to unlock the 2024 version of Saquon Barkley after a less explosive 2025 season.
- The Eagles are practicing wide zone, play action, and back involvement in the passing game during preseason joint sessions.
- Barkley is taking a process-driven approach while the offensive line returns healthier than at any point last year.
- Jalen Hurts and Sean Mannion both say Barkley can impact every facet of the offense when protection and matchups allow.
What did Lane Johnson say about Saquon Barkley?
Johnson spoke after the Eagles' joint practice with the Patriots. The star right tackle praised how wide run plays fit Barkley's skill set and said Philadelphia will find more ways to get its All-Pro running back the ball.
"The more productive we are in the run game and stuff feeds off that, we'll see the Saquon from two years ago," Johnson said, via Zach Berman of The Athletic, as reported by NFL.com. "We'll see the big plays, we'll see him flex wide at wide receiver, we'll see him in the screen game."
Johnson added that the wide zone scheme was taking shape, with play action creating good gashes that force defenses to read first rather than rush freely. For more preseason coverage like this, follow our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
Why did Barkley's production dip in 2025?
Barkley still rushed for 1,140 yards in 2025, enough to finish in the NFL's top 10, but the splash plays that defined his 2,005-yard, All-Pro 2024 campaign largely disappeared. He managed just four runs of 20-plus yards and three of 40-plus last season, compared with 17 and seven the year before.
After averaging 125.3 rushing yards per game in 2024, Barkley topped that mark only twice in 2025 and reached 100 rushing yards in just four games. Injuries along the offensive line and repetitive game plans were cited as major factors heading into 2026.
Will the Eagles use Barkley more in the passing game?
Philadelphia has not produced a 300-yard receiving running back under Nick Sirianni and is one of two NFL teams without one since 2021. This summer, though, the offense has dedicated significant time to getting backs involved as receivers during joint practices.
Barkley turned in big plays as both a runner and receiver against the Patriots. Jalen Hurts said Barkley "is going to show up and make plays in every facet of the offense," while Mannion called the backs capable pass catchers whose usage depends on protection needs and matchups. Barkley owns 15 career catches of 30-plus yards since 2018, tied with Alvin Kamara for the most among NFL running backs.
What is Barkley's mindset heading into 2026?
Barkley is staying process-focused despite the buzz around Mannion's new-look offense and a healthier veteran offensive line. Running backs coach Jemal Singleton told the group there are levels left to reach even when play looks great.
"Just be process-driven. Don't really get too caught up in the results of what it can be or what it can look like," Barkley said on PhiladelphiaEagles.com. He became the first Eagles running back in more than a decade with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and trusts the staff to ramp his workload before the September 13 opener against Washington.