Saquon Barkley delivered one of the most electrifying performances of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday, helping propel the Philadelphia Eagles to a commanding 21-7 lead over the Washington Commanders by the end of the first quarter. The star running back dazzled fans and commentators alike, accumulating 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries.
The spotlight shone brightly on Barkley, not only from the Eagles’ faithful but also from basketball royalty. LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, took to social media to publicly express his admiration for Barkley’s phenomenal start, stating, "[Saquon] up to 100 yards and 2 TDs in the first quarter!"
Barkley’s rushing prowess started immediately, with his first carry breaking for 19 yards. By the time he crossed the goal line for his first touchdown—a one-yard run at the five-minute mark of the first quarter—he had already set the tone for the game. His prowess as the Eagles’ running back became even more pivotal after the team lost starting quarterback Jalen Hurts to concussion protocols during the match.
With the Eagles needing this win to clinch the NFC East division title and secure home-field advantage for at least one playoff game, Barkley made his presence felt early and often. He contributed significantly to the Eagles’ historic offensive output throughout the game, finishing the day with 28 carries for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
After his sensational first quarter, Barkley hadn’t just set the stage; he continued to break records. This game marked his tenth 100-yard contest of the season, tying him with NFL legends Jim Brown and Adrian Peterson for the most touchdown runs of 60 yards or more in league history, with four such runs to his name.
Notably, this performance also pushed Barkley past the 2,000 total yards from scrimmage mark for the season, becoming the fourth Eagle to achieve this milestone. The other notable players who accomplished this feat include Wilbert Montgomery, Brian Westbrook, and LeSean McCoy, who all had illustrious careers with the franchise.
Barkley had entered the game with significant ambition—an aim to break the long-standing NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set by Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson back in 1984. To keep alive his hope of reaching this record, Barkley knew he needed to maintain an impressive average, epitomized by his current average of 120.6 rushing yards per game. Post-game, analysts speculated he would need to ramp this up even higher, averaging 139 yards per game over the remaining three games to achieve the record.
Despite facing increased defensive pressure as the game progressed, with the Commanders stacking the line of scrimmage trying to contain him, Barkley showcased resilience. Following his early success, the team gradually shifted strategies, relying heavily on backup quarterback Kenny Pickett as they aimed to maintain momentum without Hurts at the helm.
Observing from the sidelines, Coach Sirianni expressed pride over Barkley’s adaptability and relentless drive, especially when times were tough on the field. His commitment—illustrated by his phenomenal yardage-per-carry statistics—continues to impress fans and commentators.
Throughout his career, Barkley has overcome challenges, including injuries and roster changes, showcasing his determination to succeed. This season, he completed it on another note by asking fans to support him for the Pro Bowl, deemed as pivotal for aiding the recognition of elite players like him.
The impact of Barkley's performance is twofold: personally, it solidifies his status as one of the premier running backs of his generation, and for the Eagles, it continues to drive toward what they hope will be another playoff run.
With each passing week, Barkley’s story has become not just about numbers but about his exceptional ability to uplift his team during major games. This match against the Commanders only cements his legacy, showcasing his capacity to inspire not just through his statistics, but through the indomitable spirit he brings to the Eagles’ locker room and the field.
