PHILADELPHIA — Saquon Barkley faces one last chance to break Eric Dickerson’s long-standing season rushing record. Barkley, currently leading the NFL with 2,005 rushing yards, needs just 101 more yards to surpass Dickerson’s 2,105-yard mark, set in 1984 when he played for the Los Angeles Rams.
After decisively defeating Dallas, the Philadelphia Eagles have secured the NFC East title and clinched the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, effectively turning the upcoming game against New York into a meaningless contest for the Eagles. Consequently, the team is likely to rest key players, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, who missed the game against Dallas due to a concussion. Given these circumstances, it stands to reason that Barkley might not see much action, as the coaching staff, led by Nick Sirianni, may prioritize player health over individual records in an essentially meaningless game.
Barkley, the only ninth running back in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season, is well aware of the risks associated with playing. After a standout performance against Dallas, where he ran for 167 yards, Barkley expressed a commitment to team success over personal accolades. With the recent addition of a 17th game in the season, Barkley has the chance to make a run at the record that Dickerson did not have during his playing days.
When asked about the upcoming game, Barkley stated, “It’s up to Nick, to be honest. If he decides to play me, I’m all for it. But if he wants to prioritize rest, I’ll support that too.” Sirianni echoed this sentiment by asserting that the team’s priorities are paramount in making a decision regarding Barkley’s participation.
Conversely, Dickerson remarked on the possibility of his record being broken, expressing a mix of anticipation and protectiveness over the benchmark. While he hopes Barkley does not surpass it, he acknowledges the advantages of the current game structure that allows for extended seasons.
Barkley’s choice to sign with the Eagles after spending his first six seasons with the Giants highlights his impressive career transition. Drafted second overall in 2018, he quickly became a standout athlete in New York. After the Giants opted not to franchise tag him, Barkley secured a lucrative deal with Philadelphia, making him the highest-paid running back in franchise history.
In response to Barkley’s move to Philadelphia, Giants team owner John Mara voiced his concern, reflecting on Barkley’s immense popularity during his tenure with the Giants. As for the Eagles, general manager Howie Roseman has traditionally avoided significant investments in running backs but made an exception for Barkley, recognizing his potential impact on the team.
Eric Dickerson, a legendary figure in NFL history known for his distinctive style and remarkable career achievements, remains active in discussions surrounding the rushing record. Having amassed 13,259 career rushing yards, he often reflects on the evolution of the game and the record’s significance. Each week, he finds himself watching closely, fueled by messages from fans eager to discuss Barkley’s quest for the record.
Only time will tell if Barkley can rise to the occasion and surpass Dickerson’s remarkable feat, solidifying his legacy as a phenomenal running back in the league.