When Saquon Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 NFL offseason, many viewed it as a franchise-defining move. Fast forward to Week 12, and Barkley has exceeded all expectations, positioning himself as one of the league’s premier rushers while chasing NFL history. Following a sensational performance in the Eagles’ 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams on “Sunday Night Football,” Barkley is now on pace to break Eric Dickerson’s long-standing single-season rushing record, set back in 1984.

Barkley’s Career Night Against the Rams

Barkley delivered the best game of his career against the Rams, rushing for a staggering 255 yards on 26 carries. This career-high performance also included 47 receiving yards on four catches, giving him 302 total yards from scrimmage. Barkley’s explosive plays kept the Rams’ defense on its heels all night, and his dominance on the ground was pivotal to the Eagles’ offensive success.

He averaged 5.6 yards per carry in the first half, setting the tone early. However, his true breakout came on the first play of the second half, when he exploded for a 70-yard touchdown, showcasing his unmatched speed and vision. Barkley wasn’t just a force on the ground; he also made key contributions in the passing game, including a 31-yard reception that set up another Eagles touchdown.

Historic Achievements

Barkley’s 255 rushing yards against the Rams is now the ninth-highest single-game rushing total in NFL history, putting him in elite company alongside legends like Adrian Peterson and Jamal Lewis. This outing surpassed his previous career high of 279 scrimmage yards, as he crossed the 300-yard threshold for the first time.

Through Week 12, Barkley has solidified his place as the league’s leading rusher with 1,392 rushing yards. Even with Derrick Henry yet to play his Week 12 game, Barkley’s dominance has made him the frontrunner to finish as the NFL’s rushing leader in 2024. Remarkably, he has already surpassed several top rushers, despite the Eagles having completed their bye week.

Chasing History

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline of Barkley’s season is his pursuit of the NFL’s single-season rushing record. Eric Dickerson set the bar at 2,105 yards in 1984, but Barkley is on pace to finish with 2,151 yards this year, breaking the nearly 40-year-old record. If he maintains his current pace and stays healthy, Barkley could establish a new benchmark that would forever cement his place in NFL history.

Impact on the Eagles

Barkley’s contributions extend beyond individual accolades. His presence has revitalized the Eagles’ offense, providing a dynamic ground game that complements their potent passing attack. As the Eagles continue their march toward the playoffs, Barkley’s ability to control games with his explosive runs and versatility makes him a key factor in their success.

Looking Ahead

Saquon Barkley’s debut season with the Eagles is shaping up to be one for the ages. With his historic performance against the Rams and his sights set on Dickerson’s record, Barkley has proven he is worth every penny of his offseason signing. If he continues at this rate, 2024 could go down as the year Barkley not only led the Eagles to glory but also rewrote the NFL record books.

The journey isn’t over yet, but the path to greatness is clear. All eyes will be on Barkley as he inches closer to NFL immortality.