No longer flagged for his leaps, Barkley, 27, is feted for his continued ascendance. In his first year with the Philadelphia Eagles and seventh in the NFL, residents of his hometown, which is 68 miles northwest of Lincoln Financial Field, crane their necks to keep track of his every rush.

Now is not the time, Saquon Barkley says. Reflection comes at the end of this season, no matter the meaningfulness of its milestones. He’s resisting the sound of them toppling like towers. He won’t peek at the panorama of his production.

It's not easy to fight battles on your own. It's easier to do with help and it's important to surround yourself with a great team.'