In the storied history of the NFL, few records have stood the test of time quite like Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing mark. The electric Rams running back galloped for an astounding 2,105 yards during the 1984 season, a feat that has remained untouched for nearly four decades. But with the league’s recent expansion to a 17-game schedule, the question arises: Is Dickerson’s record now more vulnerable than ever?
The Greatness of Eric Dickerson’s 1984 Season
To fully appreciate the magnitude of Dickerson’s achievement, one must consider the era in which he played. In 1984, the NFL featured a 16-game regular season, meaning Dickerson averaged an incredible 131.6 rushing yards per game. His closest pursuer that year, Walter Payton, finished with 1,684 yards – a gap of over 400 yards.
Eric Dickerson was a special back with an amazing talent – a big back with incredible speed who could pop a run of 50, 60 yards in the blink of an eye.
– Jackie Slater, former Rams offensive lineman
Dickerson’s record-setting campaign was a masterclass in durability and consistency. He topped 100 rushing yards in 12 of 16 games, including four performances of over 200 yards. His 248-yard outburst against the Houston Oilers in Week 15 remains one of the top single-game rushing totals in league history.
The Challengers: Who Has Come Close?
In the years since Dickerson’s historic season, a select few have threatened his throne atop the single-season rushing list:
- Adrian Peterson (2012) – 2,097 yards
- Jamal Lewis (2003) – 2,066 yards
- Barry Sanders (1997) – 2,053 yards
- Derrick Henry (2020) – 2,027 yards
Peterson’s 2012 campaign, in which he fell just 8 yards short of Dickerson’s mark, is particularly notable. The Vikings star accomplished this feat less than a year removed from tearing his ACL, cementing his place among the all-time greats.
The 17-Game Factor: Increased Odds of a New Record?
The NFL’s decision to expand to a 17-game schedule starting in 2021 has led many to speculate that Dickerson’s long-standing record may soon fall. With an extra game on the slate, elite rushers now have more opportunities to rack up yardage and challenge the 2,105-yard benchmark.
Consider this: To break Dickerson’s record in a 16-game season, a running back would need to average 131.6 yards per game. In a 17-game season, that number drops to a slightly more attainable 123.8 yards per contest. While still a lofty goal, the added game could be the difference-maker for a back who hits a late-season stride.
The Contenders: Today’s Top Rushers
So, who among today’s crop of star running backs has the best chance to dethrone Dickerson? Here are a few prime candidates:
- Derrick Henry – The Titans workhorse has led the NFL in rushing in each of the past two seasons, including a 2,027-yard effort in 2020.
- Jonathan Taylor – The Colts’ young phenom burst onto the scene with 1,811 rushing yards in 2021, his second NFL season.
- Nick Chubb – The Browns star has topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three seasons, showcasing a rare blend of power and elusiveness.
All these guys are phenomenal players, but there’s a reason Dickerson’s record has stood for so long.
– Barry Sanders, Hall of Fame running back
Of course, health and offensive scheme will play major roles in any potential record-breaking season. A running back needs the good fortune of avoiding injury and the benefit of a system that prioritizes the ground game. In an increasingly pass-happy league, the latter factor may prove especially challenging.
The Bottom Line: Dickerson’s Legacy Secure
Ultimately, whether or not Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record falls in the coming years, his place in NFL history is secure. The fact that his 1984 campaign has withstood the test of time – and a sizable increase in season length – is a testament to its sheer dominance.
As today’s top running backs chase Dickerson’s ghost, they do so with full respect for the magnitude of his accomplishment. Breaking the 2,105-yard barrier will require a perfect storm of talent, durability, and opportunity – a rare convergence that only further cements Dickerson’s legacy as one of the greatest to ever tote the rock.
