Saquon Barkley is seeking help from retired Pro Bowler Todd Gurley after a disappointing 2026 season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
## What happened?
The Eagles' running back reached out to Gurley, a three-time Pro Bowler, to learn from his experience in the Shanahan-style offense.
Barkley had a remarkable 2024 season, becoming the ninth player in NFL history to top 2,000 rushing yards and leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl title.
But in 2026, his performance declined, with 1.7 fewer yards per carry.
## Why it matters for Saquon Barkley
The Eagles' new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion, will implement a Shanahan-style offense, which is under-center and play-action-heavy, often featuring outside zone runs.
Barkley is excited to work with Mannion and believes the new scheme will help him regain his form.
He has been watching Gurley's film and talking to him on Instagram, learning from his approach to the game.
## What comes next?
The Eagles' offense will look different in 2026, with the departure of receiver AJ Brown and the addition of rookie wideout Makai Lemon.
Barkley is focused on building a strong foundation with the new offense and is confident that the changes will help him return to his 2024 form.
At 29 years old, Barkley is determined to prove himself again and make a strong impact in the upcoming season.
The Shanahan-style offense requires a specific skill set, and Barkley is working hard to adapt and thrive in the new system.
He mentioned that playing under center allows him to see the field more clearly and get his shoulders square easier, which is essential for making effective runs.
Barkley's conversation with Gurley has been helpful, and he is eager to apply the lessons he has learned to his game.
The Eagles' fans are expecting a strong performance from Barkley, and he is ready to deliver.
With the new offense and his renewed focus, Barkley is poised to make a significant impact in the 2026 season.