I know everyone rags on the Giants for letting Barkley go and I don’t necessarily disagree, however, before this season he was an injury-prone six year veteran runningback who was brilliant when he was able to take the field. He had only managed to play two full seasons and had only broken 1000 yards three times. He hasn’t exactly been a model of consistancy.
This season he rushed 50 more times for 700 more yards than he ever has in his seven year career. That is what we call a Career Year. I don’t care who he’s playing for. It is extremely unlikely he will ever replicate this performance ever again.
He carried the ball 345 times this year, before the playoffs. It is far more likely, given his age and history, that his production will drop off dramatically next year. I think the Eagles are smart enough not to plan on centering their offense around Barkely again next year, because if they do I doubt their offense will be nearly as successful.