Overview
- Sean Mannion ran the starting offense during joint practices with the New England Patriots on Wednesday, showing more under‑center runs and plays designed to create bigger lanes for Barkley.
- Right tackle Lane Johnson publicly predicted fans will “see the Saquon from two years ago” and said the team plans to flex Barkley wide and use him in the screen game to generate big plays.
- The practices also included increased pass‑game work for Barkley, signaling a plan to use him more as a receiver and mismatch weapon rather than as only a traditional between‑the‑tackles runner.
- Barkley’s 2025 numbers (1,140 rushing yards and 273 receiving yards) fell short of his 2,005‑yard 2024 season, and coaches point to improved offensive‑line health and play‑calling as the keys to restoring his explosiveness.
- The changes remain a test until regular‑season games begin because Barkley’s age, past injuries, and career workload make a full repeat of 2024 unlikely, so early-season production and playmaking will determine whether the new scheme succeeds.