Saquon Barkley and former Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley are only two years apart, but that doesn’t mean one can’t learn from the other.
The 29-year-old Philadelphia Eagles running back told reporters Wednesday that he reached out to Gurley, 31, specifically to learn some nuances of working under center more, something he knows is coming down the pipeline under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s scheme. Gurley hasn’t played in the NFL since 2020 when he was a member of the Atlanta Falcons.
“It’s no secret what the system is about,” Barkley said about playing under center. “And I look forward to doing that. Probably be the most I’ve ever done it under center too, and you know, outside zone. Y’all got good stuff but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to work on and getting better at it. Trying to do my best.”
Gurley had five illustrious years with the Rams, where he rushed for more than 1,000 yards three times and led the league in rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns twice. He also led the NFL in scrimmage yards in 2017, made two first-team All-Pro teams and won Offensive Rookie of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year.
The Rams moved on from Gurley following the 2019 season after he rushed 1,265 times for 5,404 yards and 58 touchdowns in 73 games. He played one year with the Falcons in 2020, where Gurley rushed 195 times for 678 yards and nine touchdowns.
That Barkley would reach out to Gurley six years after his last NFL season speaks volumes to what other NFL running backs think about the former three-time Pro Bowler.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Why Eagles RB Saquon Barkley reached out to Todd Gurley
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
