Saquon Barkley Smashes Eagles’ Single-Season Rushing Record in Electrifying Performance
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles have a new name etched in their record books, and it belongs to none other than running back Saquon Barkley. On Sunday, Barkley delivered a historic performance against the Carolina Panthers, setting a franchise record for single-season rushing yards. The moment was nothing short of electric, as fans at Lincoln Financial Field erupted in chants of “MVP!” when the milestone was announced.
Barkley entered the game needing 109 yards to surpass the previous record of 1,607 yards set by LeSean McCoy back in 2013. The record-breaking moment came midway through the fourth quarter when Barkley ripped off a 9-yard gain, cementing his place in Eagles history. It was a moment that felt inevitable given the season Barkley has been having, but it was no less thrilling for the fans who witnessed it live.
After the game, Barkley reflected on the achievement with humility and a focus on the bigger picture. “That’s something, once I got here, I looked up the history of the Eagles’ running backs,” Barkley said earlier in the week. “That’s your goal, you want to come in here and leave a legacy on a place, on a franchise. I had the same mindset when I was in New York. Sadly, that came up short.”
He continued, “I’m aware of [the record], but it’s not the driving factor: the driving factor is to win football games and put ourselves in position to make a run and go win it all. But I am aware of the things I can accomplish. But the way I accomplish that is by sticking to the script.”
A Career Year for Barkley
It’s hard to overstate just how dominant Barkley has been in his first season with the Eagles. The star running back needed only 12 games to set a personal best in single-season rushing yards. Along the way, he’s delivered jaw-dropping performances, including a career-high 255 rushing yards and 302 yards from scrimmage in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams. Those numbers are the kind of video-game stats that make you do a double-take.
November was particularly kind to Barkley, as he was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for the first time in his career. He also racked up four NFC Player of the Week honors this season, surpassing the total he earned during his entire six-year tenure with the New York Giants. Talk about making an impact in a new city!
Heading into Sunday’s game, Barkley was already leading the NFL in rushing yards with 1,499. His ability to consistently churn out big plays and carry the Eagles’ offense has been a key factor in the team’s success this season. It’s no wonder fans are chanting “MVP” every chance they get.
Why Barkley’s Record Matters
Breaking a franchise record is always a big deal, but Barkley’s accomplishment feels especially significant given the rich history of Eagles running backs. From legends like Brian Westbrook to the record-holder he just surpassed, LeSean McCoy, the Eagles have long been a team that values a strong ground game. For Barkley to come in and not only meet but exceed those lofty standards in his first year with the team is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and determination.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes Barkley’s season so special:
- Single-Season Rushing Record: Barkley now holds the Eagles’ all-time mark for rushing yards in a season, surpassing McCoy’s 1,607 yards from 2013.
- Career Highs: Barkley set personal bests in single-game rushing yards (255) and yards from scrimmage (302) in Week 12.
- Award Recognition: Named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November and earned four NFC Player of the Week honors this season.
- League Leader: Entered Sunday ranked No. 1 in the NFL in rushing yards with 1,499.
As the Eagles continue their push toward the playoffs, Barkley’s record-breaking season is giving the team and its fans plenty of reasons to believe this could be a special year. His ability to dominate on the ground not only helps control the clock but also opens up opportunities for the passing game, making the Eagles’ offense one of the most dangerous in the league.
What’s Next for Barkley and the Eagles?
With the single-season rushing record now in his rearview mirror, Barkley’s focus will undoubtedly shift to helping the Eagles make a deep playoff run. As he said himself, “the driving factor is to win football games and put ourselves in position to make a run and go win it all.” If his performance so far this season is any indication, Barkley is more than capable of leading the charge.
For now, though, Eagles fans can take a moment to celebrate this incredible milestone. Saquon Barkley has already left his mark on the franchise, and the best part? He’s just getting started.
Originally Written by: Tim McManus
