Eagles defensive struggles and Saquon Barkley workload management

The Philadelphia Eagles hold a 2-4 record in the NFC East. They face the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday, October 26, at 8:15 PM ET. The Eagles defense fell apart in the fourth quarter against the Rams and caused a complete meltdown. This defensive unit allowed two long touchdown drives in that game and has been outscored 54-20 in the second half this season. They also allowed 31 points without answering in the last two weeks. The Eagles defense gave up zero net passing yards to the Rams in the second half after Jalen Hurts faced constant blitzes from a Rams unit that outgained them 260-72 on Sunday during their Week 4 loss. The Eagles had never been 0-for-12 on third down before these struggles. They also struggle in coverage against tight ends, specifically allowing George Kittle 183 yards and one touchdown on 15 targets. The team also manages injuries to Lane Johnson, who missed 25 snaps due to a surgically repaired ankle. This follows a 25-20 victory against the 49ers where Carson Wentz rushed for 37 yards on seven carries and threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to Travis Fulgham. Alex Singleton also returned an interception 30 yards for a score in that win. You should watch how the defense handles the Cowboys after such a collapse.

Barkley workload and injury management

Saquon Barkley maintains his role as the primary back despite a hamstring injury that forced him out of the first quarter against the Rams. He has 482 rushing yards, which ranks fourth in the NFL. His 114.8 scrimmage yards per game rank second in the league. Barkley also has five touchdowns and 96.4 rushing yards per game. These figures represent career highs for the 29-year-old runner. The team utilizes Tank Bigsby to manage Barkley’s workload after he logged 625 carries during his first two seasons in Philadelphia. Bigsby finished 2025 with 356 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries.

Barkley returns to MetLife Stadium on January 10. His 5,211 career rushing yards with the Giants rank fourth in franchise history. He holds 47 career touchdowns with the Giants. His 2,601 rushing yards in MetLife Stadium were split with 2,600 in Giants home games and one against the Jets in 2019. Barkley is the ninth player in NFL history to join the 2,000-yard club. His 2024 season included 2,005 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns on 345 carries. In 2025, he finished with 1,140 yards and seven rushing touchdowns on 280 carries, plus 37 receptions for 273 yards and two scores. He also has 15 career 30-yard catches, a total that ties him with Alvin Kamara. His 2025 efficiency showed a decline as his yards per carry fell from 5.8 to 4.1.

Scheduling and flex rules

The Eagles travel to Dallas for a Thursday night game on November 26 at 4:30 PM ET. A.J. Dillon says the team benefits from a mini-bye weekend on the other side of these games. The NFL flex scheduling procedures dictate specific Saturday windows for the final weeks of the season. During Week 16, two of the four designated matchups play on Saturday at 4:30 PM ET and 8:00 PM ET. Week 17 contains two Saturday matchups at 4:30 PM ET and 8:00 PM ET. In Week 18, three games play on Saturday at 1:00 PM ET, 4:30 PM ET, and 8:00 PM ET. These rules mean the league decides specific dates and times for these matchups no later than immediately after Week 14, Week 15, or Week 17. The Eagles face Washington at Northwest Stadium on November 1 at 8:20 PM ET and the Giants on November 8 at 1:00 PM ET. They also play the Steelers on November 22 at 4:25 PM ET. The schedule includes a game against the Cowboys on October 26 at 8:15 PM ET. Does the coaching staff prioritize Barkley’s health over these late-season television slots?