In an era where conventional wisdom has devalued veteran running backs, Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley are authoring a stunning rebuttal in 2024. The two superstar rushers, both on the wrong side of 30, are not just playing well – they are dominating in historic fashion and almost single-handedly carrying their offenses. Their success is reigniting the debate around the true value of elite RBs in the modern NFL.
Henry and Barkley Defying Father Time
Most running backs decline sharply as they approach 30. But Henry, 30, and Barkley, 27, look better than ever in 2024:
- Henry leads the NFL with a staggering 873 rushing yards through just 7 games, on pace to threaten Eric Dickerson’s single-season record.
- Barkley ranks 3rd with 658 yards while adding value as a receiver out of the backfield.
- Both backs lead the league in explosive runs of 20+ yards – Henry with 10, Barkley with 6.
According to a league source, Henry and Barkley are averaging an astronomical 4.5 and 4.4 yards before contact, respectively – meaning they are ripping off huge gains before defenders even lay a finger on them. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” the anonymous executive marveled. “These guys are on another level right now.”
Elevated by Elite QBs
Part of Henry and Barkley’s success can be attributed to the gravity of the superstar QBs they now play with. Lamar Jackson’s unparalleled rushing ability from the QB position creates wide-open lanes for Henry in Baltimore. And in Philly, the mere threat of Jalen Hurts keeping the ball himself freezes second-level defenders, giving Barkley more room to operate.
“Trying to defend Henry when you also have to account for Lamar is basically impossible,” an opposing defensive coordinator admitted. “You’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”
Proving RB Value
While Henry and Barkley are thriving, their success raises tricky questions about running back value going forward. Both signed lucrative free agent deals last offseason, going against the recent trend of teams refusing to invest big money in veteran RBs.
The Titans letting a healthy Henry walk now looks like a massive blunder. And the entire city of New York is apoplectic that the Giants low-balled Barkley and let him sign with a division rival. Even legendary coach Bill Belichick couldn’t help venting his frustration after Barkley embarrassed his Patriots defense.
Alvin Kamara, likely inspired by Henry and Barkley’s impact, just inked a two-year, $24.5 extension to stay in New Orleans. With the highest-paid RBs now a bargain compared to elite receivers, some around the league believe a market correction is coming.
“For years the analytics told us paying older backs is dumb. Henry and Barkley are making teams rethink everything they thought they knew,” said one league insider.
An Uncertain Future
Of course, Henry and Barkley will have to prove they can sustain this production over a full, healthy season. Father Time is undefeated and the pounding inevitably takes a toll. And their success may be an anomaly in an increasingly pass-happy league.
But for now, these two ageless wonders are shifting the RB paradigm with each explosive run. Their veteran savvy, rare physical gifts, and perfect team fits have them on pace for a season for the ages. Where once teams scoffed at paying older backs, Henry and Barkley may just make them reconsider everything.
