Could this be the year that Eric Dickerson’s 40-year-old NFL single-season rushing record finally falls? Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley is making a spirited chase at the mark, racking up huge yardage totals week after week in his first season with his new team. With two games left to play, Barkley needs to average 134 rushing yards per game to surpass Dickerson’s iconic 2,105 yards from the 1984 season. We’re tracking Saquon’s progress and taking a closer look at some of his most impressive performances as he pursues one of the NFL’s most hallowed records.
The Road to 2,105 Yards
Through 15 games, Barkley has piled up 1,838 rushing yards, putting him slightly off the record-setting pace but still within striking distance. Some key stats and milestones from his season so far:
- 122.5 rushing yards per game average
- 10 games with 100+ rushing yards
- 3 games with 150+ rushing yards
- Set Eagles’ franchise record for rushing yards in a season
By comparison, through 15 games in 1984, Eric Dickerson had 2,007 rushing yards. So while Saquon trails that torrid pace, the benefit of the extra 17th game keeps him in the hunt heading into the final two weeks. He needs 267 yards over that span to match Dickerson’s magical 2,105 number.
Signature Saquon Moments
Barkley has authored a number of memorable highlights in his spectacular season. In Week 12 against the Rams, he exploded for a career-high 255 rushing yards, ripping off two 70+ yard touchdown runs in the process. His teammate A.J. Brown raved about the performance:
“You’re already the best running back in the world. I think you’re the best player in the world.”
A.J. Brown to Saquon Barkley
Two weeks earlier, Barkley left jaws on the floor with an unbelievable leaping reverse hurdle over a Jaguars defender on his way to a 159-yard day. Coach Nick Sirianni called it “the best play I’ve ever seen.” Saquon just keeps finding new ways to amaze.
The Saquon Effect
Barkley’s historic campaign has transformed the Eagles offense. Wanting to unleash their prized free agent signing, offensive linemen Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson and Jordan Mailata urged coach Sirianni to feature a more run-heavy attack. The result? Philly now leads the NFL in rushing attempts and Saquon is rewriting the record books.
But even beyond the raw numbers, Barkley’s presence changes everything. His game-breaking ability forces defenses to priority stopping the run, opening up the passing game for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ dangerous wideouts. Saquon’s knack for ripping off huge gains also allows the Eagles to control the clock and shorten games. He is the ultimate weapon.
Chasing History
With two games to go, here’s what Barkley faces in his quest to topple Dickerson’s record:
- Week 17 vs. Cowboys – In their first meeting, Dallas stifled Saquon (66 yards). But with the division on the line, expect a heavy dose of Barkley this time.
- Week 18 vs. Giants – May not play the whole game if Eagles are locked into playoff seed. But with Giants defense reeling, could put up huge first half.
Can Saquon Barkley overtake Eric Dickerson and etch his name into NFL immortality? The football world will be watching breathlessly as this generational talent chases history. 2,105 yards or bust!
