Eagles sprinting backAfter almost surpassing Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, Saquon Barkley is anticipated to receive a lot of praise this season. For the first time in his career, Barkley got a distinguished award for his achievement, which comes with alucrative bonus. Three other Eagles players had good reasons to join Barkley, but they were among those who were passed over for the award, while linebacker Zach Baun was the only other Eagles player to make the first team.
Barkley was the only Eagles player selected for the first team of the Associated Press All-Pro, which was revealed on Friday. Barkley came within 101 yards of Dickerson’s record with a league-high run of 2,005 yards. In addition, he recorded 33 receptions for 278 yards and 15 total touchdowns (two receiving, 13 rushing).
An additional $500,000 incentive was given to Barkley for being selected to the All-Pro first team. This raises the season’s incentive total to an amazing level. Barkley had previously earned $250,000 for being selected to the Pro Bowl and $750,000 for exceeding the 1,500- and 2,000-yard scrimmage standards. His base pay for the upcoming season will also include the extra money he received for his success this season.
By ranking tied for sixth in the league in tackles (151), tied for third in solo tackles (93), and tied for second in caused fumbles (five), Baun made the most of his transition from an edge rusher to an off-the-ball linebacker. In addition, Baun recorded a career-high 11 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and 3.5 sacks.
The following players were left off the first team: defensive tackle Jalen Carter, wide receiver A.J. Brown, left tackle Jordan Mailata, and right tackle Lane Johnson.
Although Johnson and Mailata made compelling arguments for selection, Tristan Wirfs, a left tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Penei Sewell, a right tackle for the Detroit Lions, were selected to the first team. This season, Johnson gave up just one quarterback hit, five hurries, and zero sacks. In contrast, Sewell gave up 22 hurries, five quarterback hits, and one sack. In free space, the Eagles’ offensive tackles often play on an island, going up against edge rushers one-on-one.
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Johnson had a lower double-team percentage (22% versus Sewell’s 36%) and a greater pass-block win rate (94% versus Sewell’s 91%), per ESPN Analytics. Additionally, Johnson’s run-block win percentage of 80% placed him fifth in the league, while Sewell’s was outside the top 10. This season, Mailata allowed just one sack and had a 92% pass-block victory rate.
Because he has been disruptive when given the chance to go up against a single defensive lineman, Carter has emerged as one of the best young interior defensive linemen who consistently draws double teams. Along with swatting down six passes, Carter’s regular season totals included 4.5 sacks, 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. Brown, meanwhile, hauled in 67 throws for 1,079 yards and seven receptions. Additionally, he tied for second place in the league with five catches of 40 yards or more at the end of the regular season.
In Sunday afternoon’s wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers, the players who were left out will have an opportunity to demonstrate why they belong in the starting lineup.
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