Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is making headlines as he inches closer to breaking one of the longest-held records in NFL history. With 1,838 rushing yards entering Week 17, Barkley needs just 268 yards over the final two games of the season to surpass Eric Dickerson’s remarkable record of 2,105 rushing yards, set back in 1984.
This season has seen Barkley demonstrate exceptional skill, averaging 122.5 rushing yards per game. He has already made his mark, being touted as the best signing of the offseason when the Eagles secured him with a three-year deal after six years with the New York Giants. If Barkley manages to maintain his current pace, he could join the exclusive club of players who have rushed for over 2,000 yards in a single season—a feat only accomplished by two players since 2010.
Eric Dickerson, the Hall of Fame running back and holder of the single-season rushing record for nearly four decades, has shared his thoughts on Barkley’s potential to eclipse his legacy. "I don’t think he’ll break it. But if he breaks it, he breaks it. Do I want him to break it? Absolutely not. I don’t pull no punches onthat. But I’m not whining about it," Dickerson said recently when asked by the Los Angeles Times.
While Dickerson remains skeptical of Barkley’s chances, acknowledging the record is difficult to achieve, he also recognizes the changing nature of the game. He notes, "He had 17 games to do it? Hey, football is football. That’s the way I look at it. If he’s fortunate to get over 2,000 yards and get the record, it’s a great record to have.” This perspective encapsulates the respect Dickerson has for the sport even as he clings to his historic achievement.
To break Dickerson’s record, Barkley would need to average 134 yards per game over the last two weeks, challenging yet potentially attainable. His upcoming performances against common foes—the Giants and the Cowboys—add intrigue to this record chase. Previous matchups saw Barkley put up significant numbers, including 176 yards against the Giants earlier this season.
Looking at the numbers, against the Giants, Barkley carried the ball 17 times for 176 yards, showcasing the kind of explosive potential needed to break the record. Conversely, he had fewer opportunities against the Cowboys, rushing for 66 yards on 14 carries. The contrasting outcomes highlight both the opportunities and challenges facing him as he nears the record.
Interestingly, the Giants’ defense allowed Barkley to average 10.4 yards per carry during their last encounter. Given this, even minor adjustments to the team's game strategy could catapult him to record-breaking numbers, especially if he sees similar usage levels as he has recently, which averages around 25.5 carries per game.
While chatted about as possible erosion of the legitimacy of the record due to the added game, Dickerson’s exceptional performance during his record-setting year must also be noted. He achieved his total with 379 carries throughout the season—far more than what most players deal with today. If Barkley does achieve this goal, he is likely to do so more efficiently, running at impressive averages.
Nonetheless, Barkley faces the backdrop of NFL history as he pursues this milestone. Eight players have previously rushed for over 2,000 yards, with the most recent being Derrick Henry. Yet, unlike most, they attained their milestones during 16-game seasons, highlighting the modern game’s evolution and Barkley's pursuit of excellence.
The final two games not only present Barkley the opportunity to secure his place among NFL legends but also pit him against the very team he spent six seasons with, the Giants—a compelling subplot for his record chase. Breaking this record would enshrine Barkley’s name alongside other greats, but more than just numbers, it carries with it the weight of legacy.
Concluding this narrative is the observation of not just individual feats but the love of the game itself—its unpredictability, its rivalries, and the triumph of human spirit embodied by athletes like Barkley pushing boundaries on the gridiron. Even Dickerson, with his close ties to the record, must acknowledge the significance of the story being written on the field as Barkley aims for greatness.
