Saquon Barkley Slams Joint Practices After Hurts Throws 5 Interceptions

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley expressed his distaste for multi-day joint sessions following a Thursday practice marked by five Jalen Hurts interceptions.

FOXBOROUGH -- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw five interceptions over two days of joint practices against the New England Patriots, highlighting a steep learning curve for the team's passing game. While the aerial attack struggled, the new wide zone running scheme under coordinator Sean Mannion proved effective as Saquon Barkley and his teammates broke off several long runs. The sessions concluded on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 02:57 PM ET, leaving the Eagles to navigate a mix of schematic progress and disciplinary lapses.

Running back Saquon Barkley voiced strong opposition to the extended schedule, stating, "I'm the wrong guy to ask because I hate joint practices, to be honest. I think one day is good." Barkley argued that back-to-back sessions frequently devolve into immaturity, citing the pushing and shoving that occurs when players exchange insults. Despite describing himself as a "little troublemaker" at times, the veteran back claimed he remained disciplined during the week, even as he appeared to be at the center of a scrum during Thursday’s drills.

Physical Altercations and Discipline Issues

The intensity of the Foxborough sessions led to multiple skirmishes, primarily involving the Philadelphia offense and the New England defense. In one specific sequence, Eagles tackle Lane Johnson and Patriots linebacker K.J. Britt were observed grabbing each other by the face mask. Barkley noted that such friction is almost inevitable after the second day of work, characterizing football as a physical game where extra contact is bound to happen. He emphasized that the roster must do a better job of preventing these extracurricular activities from impacting the quality of their practice.

Schematic Evaluation Under Sean Mannion

Despite the friction, the Eagles utilized the time to install Mannion’s new offensive system. The wide zone run game stood out as a highlight, providing Barkley with lanes to generate significant yardage. However, the passing game's five turnovers over the 48-hour period served as a reminder of the work remaining. The general consensus among the staff was that the sessions were beneficial for testing the new offense against an unfamiliar opponent, providing looks that had not been previously scouted.

Vic Fangio’s Contrasting Perspective

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio offered a starkly different take than his star running back regarding the value of these sessions. "I love doing these things. I think these things are great," Fangio remarked, expressing a desire to schedule even more joint work. He noted that facing new schemes, players, and unscouted plays provides a tremendous learning opportunity for the defense. Fangio argued that seeing how his unit reacts to different personnel is an essential part of the developmental process, regardless of the physical tension on the field.

Barkley maintained that while the work itself is valuable, the benefits are often outweighed by the risks of fighting. He suggested that the team must avoid letting the "pushing and shoving" become a factor in their preparation. The Eagles now move forward from the Foxborough sessions with the joint practices officially behind them, focusing on refining the passing rhythm before the regular season begins.