Jason Kelce’s Advice To Saquan Barkley In Philadelphia
Going from New York to Philadelphia may just be a short drive through New Jersey, but the sports markets are significantly different from each other. Recognizing this, Jason Kelce’s advice for Saquon Barkley offered a great point from the Eagles’ legend.
Appearing on brothers Jason and Travis Kelce’s podcast, New Heights, Jason wasted no time pointing out something very important for Barkley to know about football in Philadelphia. In fact, the success of the “Tush Push” that he spearheaded with quarterback Jalen Hurts, simply could not be matched anyplace else. It also couldn’t be stopped.
This led to Kelce’s words of wisdom for #26.
Jason Kelce’s Advice To Help Saquon Barkley
“I do have one piece of advice, do not go down at the one yard line. You gotta go down at the two.”
Barkley nods his head in agreement saying, “Don’t go down at the one. Gotta find a away to get in the end zone,” Barkley said.
Sure, they all laughed at this part of the conversation, and it might have seemed tongue-in-cheek. However, it’s actually a great point. The reason is that at the one-yard line, there’s only one play the Eagles tend to call. That would be the “Tush Push.”
Jason Kelce told a story during this episode, saying that he would feel bad and even humorously apologize to the running backs in the huddle when their signature play was called. The offense could have run the ball successfully ten times to get down to the goal line, but if the ball is at the one, the play and touchdown is going to Hurts.
Last season (2023), Jalen Hurts had 15 rushing touchdowns. The prior year, he had 13. For context and comparison, the Eagles’ starting running back last year D’Andre Swift had five rushing touchdowns last year. In 2022, starter Miles Sanders had 11.
Considering the circumstances Barkley had to deal with (poor offensive line and injuries) Saquon Barkley had a good 2023 NFL season. He had 962 yards and six rushing touchdowns on the year.
Barkley was the number two overall pick by the Giants in 2018. He played six years in New York before signing a new three-year deal with the Eagles on March 13.
Now, Barkley is returning home to Pennsylvania. He was a star back for Penn State from 2015-2017. Prior to that, Barkley spent his early years in the Lehigh Valley region of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Coming to Philadelphia certainly has many attractive elements for Barkley. With so many offensive weapons and a solid line, Barkley’s job may feel easier than ever before. Once the 2024 season rolls around, there is one thing you can count on, Barkley certainly won’t go down at the one when he plays against the Giants.
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