Saquon Barkley Tops 2,000 Yards, Eyes Dickerson’s Record

30 Dec 2024

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Saquon Barkley 2,000 yards/ NFL rushing records/ Eric Dickerson record/ Eagles playoff berth/ Barkley historic season/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Saquon Barkley surpassed 2,000 rushing yards this season, becoming the ninth NFL player to achieve the feat, during the Philadelphia Eagles’ 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Barkley, now 100 yards shy of Eric Dickerson’s record, will decide with his team whether to chase it next week or rest for the playoffs.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Saquon Barkley’s Historic Night: Quick Looks

Milestone Reached: Barkley hit 2,005 rushing yards in a single season, joining an elite group.
Record in Sight: He is 100 yards away from Eric Dickerson’s 1984 record of 2,105 yards.
Eagles’ Victory: Barkley led the Eagles to a 41-7 win over the Cowboys.
Future Decision: Coach Nick Sirianni may rest Barkley next week for the playoffs.
Historical Context: Barkley set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a player’s first season with a new team.

Saquon Barkley Tops 2,000 Yards, Eyes Dickerson’s Record

Deep Look: Saquon Barkley Tops 2,000 Yards in Record-Breaking Season

Saquon Barkley etched his name in NFL history Sunday, surpassing 2,000 rushing yards for the season during the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Barkley’s fourth-quarter, 23-yard run made him the ninth running back ever to achieve the milestone, putting him within 100 yards of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards.

A Historic Achievement

Barkley finished the game with 167 yards on 31 carries, bringing his season total to 2,005 yards with one game remaining. The feat highlights his stellar first season with the Eagles after signing a three-year, $26 million deal in the offseason.

“We weren’t leaving this field without at least accomplishing that [2,000 yards],” Barkley said. “That’s not just my goal—it’s a team effort, and the guys up front made it happen.”

Chasing the Record

Dickerson’s record, set in 1984 for the Los Angeles Rams, remains a towering benchmark in the NFL. However, with the Eagles having secured the NFC East and at least the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, Coach Nick Sirianni might prioritize resting Barkley over pursuing the record next week against the New York Giants.

“Whatever his decision is, I’m all for it,” Barkley said. “If the mindset is to go for it, we’ll go for it. If it’s to rest, I’m good with that too.”

Dickerson, for his part, made his feelings clear last week, saying, “Do I want him to break it? Absolutely not. But if he breaks it, he breaks it.”

Barkley’s Impactful Season

Barkley’s record-breaking season underscores his value as a playmaker. He already holds the NFL record for most rushing yards in a player’s first season with a new team.

Drafted by the Giants in 2018, Barkley made an immediate impact, rushing for over 1,300 yards in his rookie season. Over six seasons in New York, he totaled 5,211 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns before signing with the Eagles.

“I didn’t come here just to rush for 2,000 yards or break a record,” Barkley said. “I’m here to do something special.”

The Game Against Dallas

Barkley’s performance fueled the Eagles’ blowout victory over their division rival. He scored one touchdown and averaged 5.4 yards per carry. The Eagles’ offense, powered by Barkley’s runs, dominated time of possession and dismantled the Cowboys’ defense.

The Cowboys struggled to contain Barkley, who consistently found gaps created by a dominant offensive line. His late-game heroics capped an effort that not only secured the milestone but also reinforced the Eagles’ playoff momentum.

Rushing Into the Record Books

Barkley’s achievement comes as the NFL’s 17-game season sparks debates about comparing records across eras. Dickerson set his record during a 16-game season, and O.J. Simpson’s 2,003 yards came in just 14 games.

“The way football is now, it’s hard to rush for 2,000 yards even with 16 or 17 games,” Barkley said. “Whether it’s 16 or 17, it’s a feat you can’t take away.”