Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is nearing the NFL single-season rushing record set by Eric Dickerson in 1984.
Barkley recently achieved a significant milestone by breaking the Eagles’ season rushing record. His performance during the game against the Carolina Panthers saw him rush for 124 yards, elevating his season total to 1,623 yards. This achievement moved him past Eagles greats Wilbert Montgomery and LeSean McCoy, with fans chanting ‘MVP’ in recognition of his stellar play.
The task ahead for Barkley is daunting yet within reach. Currently leading the NFL with 1,623 rushing yards, he holds a commanding 216-yard lead over Baltimore’s Derrick Henry. Averaging 124.8 yards per game, Barkley is on track to surpass Dickerson’s 40-year-old mark of 2,105 yards—aiming for a projected 2,122 yards by season’s end.
Barkley’s path to breaking this record is lined with mixed challenges. His encounter with the Panthers, who boast one of the poorest run defenses, saw him average over six yards per carry. The upcoming games against the Steelers, Washington, Dallas, and the Giants present varying levels of difficulty in run defense, with the Steelers expected to provide the toughest resistance.
At 27, Barkley is thriving in his debut season with the Eagles, emerging as a strong contender for the MVP award. His journey from the Giants—where he signed a lucrative three-year deal with the Eagles after not being tagged by New York—has been well-documented. His tenure with the Giants was marked by both remarkable performances and a series of injuries that limited his playing time.
Currently, Barkley has proven his resilience, leading the league with 246 carries this season. However, potential challenges loom. The Eagles’ successful season could lead to strategic decisions by the coaching staff regarding his playtime as they secure a strong playoff position.
As Saquon Barkley continues his pursuit of Eric Dickerson’s iconic NFL rushing record, his journey captivates football fans with its blend of remarkable athleticism and strategic play-calling. For Barkley, maintaining his form and the health of his team will be crucial in the remaining games as he strives to etch his name in the history books.
Source: Local10
