Saquon Barkley is setting the Philadelphia Eagles' record books on fire during the 2024 NFL season, as he closes in on the prestigious single-season rushing record held by Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson.
Since his offseason trade from the New York Giants, Barkley has been nothing short of phenomenal. He broke LeSean McCoy's franchise record for rushing yards back in Week 15, establishing the best rushing season in Eagles history. Having accumulated 1,688 rushing yards on 285 attempts through Week 16, Barkley has not only showcased his elite rushing capabilities but also quickly become one of the top running backs the Eagles have ever seen.
With just three games left to go, the question looming over the remainder of the season is whether Barkley can achieve the seemingly insurmountable total of rushing yards eclipsed by Dickerson's record of 2,105 set back in 1984. Noting the challenges, Barkley stated, "I'm fully aware of how far I am. I'm not scared of it. If I don't get it, I'm not gonna be depressed. If I get it, I'm not gonna be crazy happy, either. It's a record. Records are meant to be broken," as reported by USA TODAY Sports.
To break Dickerson’s record, Barkley will need to average 139.3 yards per game over the remainder of the regular season. Despite sustaining some injuries this season, Barkley has crossed the 140 rushing yards mark five times already, showing he has the skills to rise to the occasion.
Being part of the playoff conversation has also elevated the stakes for the Eagles, maintaining their stellar performance with a current record of 12-2 and riding on a 10-game winning streak. Barkley's contributions, alongside the efforts of quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown, have propelled the team toward success amid injury setbacks to other key players on the roster.
The upcoming matchup against the Washington Commanders on December 22 will be another opportunity for Barkley to inch closer toward Dickerson's record. The game, scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, will broadcast on FOX, allowing fans to catch the Eagles as they strive to maintain their dominant run. The Eagles defeated the Commanders 26-18 earlier this season, and they hope to replicate this success on the field.
Barkley's exceptional performance has also put him within reach of other milestones, particularly the single-season yards from scrimmage record. He needs just 36 yards to reach 2,000 total yards for the season, which would mark the 73rd time any player has reached this milestone. If Barkley finds his rhythm and achieves the rushing record, there’s also potential for breaking Chris Johnson’s longstanding record of 2,509 combined rushing and receiving yards.
Despite the pressure of the looming records, Barkley remains focused on his team's success above all. "My mindset is to focus on winning games and competing for a championship, and that's the only thing which really matters," he emphasized.
Still, records are significant—especially for fans and players alike. Each game carries the possibility of additional history being made, as Barkley forges his name alongside the league's greatest. The NFL’s enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming final weeks of the regular season will undoubtedly keep all eyes on Barkley and the Eagles.
With his electrifying play style and consistent performance, Barkley’s push for NFL records has turned this season not only about personal accolades but about team ambitions—which is what fans look forward to witnessing as the Eagles charge forward. The stage is set, and Barkley’s legacy may very well be on the precipice of transformation this 2024 season.
