Something is worrying Saquon Barkley ahead of Week 4. In his eyes, the Buccaneers have a weapon on the defensive side of the ball who ought to surround the Philadelphia Eagles with gloomy clouds. It’s the 347-pound defender, Vita Vea. 

The reigning Super Bowl champ’s mindfulness about Vea makes perfect sense, as he has the reputation of giving running backs nightmares. “Vita in the middle is kind of tough,” said Barkley as a warning to Jalen Hurts and the offense. “I’m wondering what they have him listed as. I bet whatever they have him listed as, add 30 to 40 pounds. He’s a heck of a player.” 

The Bucs defense could be the most challenging for the Eagles. In three games, they’ve only allowed two runs of over 10 yards to opposing backs. With Vea clogging up the middle, it’s like trying to push through a brick wall. 

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Reports suggest that Tampa Bay might try to slide Vea over to the right side and test Tyler Steen. On paper, it looks like a mismatch, but Steen has held his own this season (7th in the league). Though he’s not been dominating, if his top-25-blocking grade is any proof, he can handle himself in protection. 

Since Steen can keep Hurts upright, Philly would lean on Barkley to handle things. That’s only possible by bouncing outside rather than hammering into Vea’s wall—something he appears well aware of. Tamps may best use Vea in those “Tush Push” situations that the Eagles are known for. The only way Philly wouldn’t have their signature play blown up is if Cam Jurgens gets underneath Vea. But the Bucs aren’t leaving anything to chance. 

Sources confirmed that the franchise has signed the 22-year-old defensive tackle, Desmond Watson. He weighs 449 pounds. The Bucs previously waived him, but he was recently seen doing laps on the field and warming up on the sideline. Adam Schefter of ESPN confirmed that the Bucs have signed Watson to the practice squad just ahead of their clash against the Eagles. 

Saquon Barkley works to regain form

Part of the reason Barkley has been anxious about facing the Bucs defender is his sluggish start this season. Despite having his best season, averaging 2,504 rushing yards and 5.7 yards per carry, the RB’s 2025 performance has been disappointing. At the moment, he is averaging 3.3 yards per carry. 

It has been so tough for them to regain his form that he’s been reaching out to his All-Pro running back circles, which include names like Barry Sanders, Derrick Henry, and Adrian Peterson.

“I mean, it literally was like, ‘Hey, bleep ain’t working, what do you see? What can I do?” said Barkley on Friday. “And just the honest answers that they give me, it’s important.” It helps him understand things from a different perspective. 

“People want to see the long runs and the 200-yard games and the 150-yard games, and obviously I want that, but the way that stuff comes is by just simply doing simple better, and that’s what I look forward to,” he added. 

The three-time Pro Bowler has been pointing out areas to improve. He admitted that the details on the offensive plays need to be sharper, starting with him. “Three yards or less than four yards per carry is not good enough. Got to get the ugly runs to set up the big ones… I think we’ve got to do a better job of accepting that challenge and attacking. And that’s what we plan to do this week,” he further acknowledged. 

The difference in big plays tells the story. Just last season, the RB ripped off 32 carries over 15-plus yards. This season? Just one of over 15 yards in 58 carries.