Lane Johnson expects a new Philadelphia Eagles offense to unlock another massive season from Saquon Barkley. After recording the ninth 2,000-yard rushing season in NFL history, Barkley settled for a tamer 1,140 rushing yards last season. The star running back's average yards per carry dipped from 5.8 to 4.1 for an Eagles offense that faltered down the stretch.
Philadelphia hired new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion to get the unit back on track in 2026. Johnson returns for his 14th season with the organization to spearhead the offensive line. The Pro Bowl tackle predicted more explosive plays from Barkley as a rusher and receiver this season.
"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 on Wednesday, per The Athletic's Zach Berman. "We'll see the big plays, we'll see him flex wide at wide receiver, we'll see him in the screen game." Including the postseason, Barkley reached 100 rushing yards in 14 games during a phenomenal 2024. He broke a run of over 50 yards in seven of them, including 72- and 78-yard runs in each of his 200-yard outbursts against the Los Angeles Rams.
However, the former Penn State star didn't make nearly as many game-breaking plays last season. He accrued just four runs of at least 20 yards and finished 13 games under 90 rushing yards. Barkley also had to finish the season without Johnson, who suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 11.
The 36-year-old is back alongside a veteran offensive line looking to restore the running attack's dominance in 2026. The Eagles begin their regular season with an NFC East matchup against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Sept. 13.
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