Saquon Barkley Breaks Eagles' Rushing Record, Eyes NFL History
Saquon Barkley, in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles, has solidified his place in franchise history by breaking the single-season rushing record. During Sunday’s 22-16 win over the Carolina Panthers, Barkley rushed for 124 yards, bringing his season total to 1,623 yards—surpassing LeSean McCoy’s 2013 record of 1,607 yards.
Barkley needed just 13 games to achieve the milestone, eclipsing not only McCoy but also Wilbert Montgomery, who rushed for 1,512 yards in 1978. Fans at Lincoln Financial Field erupted in “MVP!” chants after a crucial 9-yard run in the fourth quarter that sealed his place in the record books.
“The records are great, they put a smile on your face,” Barkley said postgame. “But the season is far from over.”
Chasing NFL Greatness
The 27-year-old running back has his sights set on even greater heights: Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984. Barkley is averaging 124.8 rushing yards per game, and with four games remaining—and one more game than Dickerson had—he needs just 483 yards to make NFL history.
“That would be extremely cool to do,” Barkley said of the possibility. “If it happens, it happens. My mindset is, whatever it takes to win football games.”
Barkley’s production has been nothing short of extraordinary, with an Eagles franchise-record nine 100-yard rushing games this season. Against Carolina, he averaged 6.2 yards per carry on 20 attempts, helping Philadelphia extend its winning streak to nine games.
A New Chapter in Philadelphia
After leaving the New York Giants in the offseason, Barkley signed a three-year, $26 million guaranteed contract with the Eagles, making him the highest-paid running back in team history. The investment has paid dividends, as Barkley has not only led the Eagles’ rushing attack but also emerged as a league MVP candidate, trailing only Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in betting odds.
Barkley reflected on the significance of surpassing McCoy, a player he admired growing up. “Being a fan of Shady’s, seeing the spectacular things he did with the ball in his hand, to have my name mentioned with his means a lot,” Barkley said. McCoy, who still holds the Eagles’ all-time rushing record with 6,792 yards, congratulated Barkley on social media, writing, “a lot of love, coming from 2-5.”
A Career of Consistency and Explosiveness
Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has topped 1,000 rushing yards four times in his career. He recorded 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022 with the Giants and 1,307 yards and 11 scores during his rookie season. His impact in Philadelphia was immediate, scoring three touchdowns in his Eagles debut against Green Bay, tying Terrell Owens’ record for the most touchdowns in a team debut.
His highlight-reel moments have only increased his popularity, including a jaw-dropping reverse leap over a Jacksonville defender earlier this season. Now, Barkley stands as not only the Eagles' single-season rushing king but also a player with a realistic chance to etch his name in NFL history.
Eagles GM Praised for the Acquisition
The decision by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman to break from his usual reluctance to invest heavily in running backs has been celebrated as a masterstroke. Barkley’s signing has transformed the Eagles’ offense and energized the fanbase.
With four games left, Barkley isn’t just soaring in popularity; he’s on the verge of achieving greatness. As he looks to surpass Dickerson’s 40-year-old record, Barkley remains focused on helping the Eagles continue their winning ways while leaving a lasting legacy on the game.
