This seems like ancient history now, but sometimes we wonder 'What if?'. What if the Philadelphia Eagles didn't sit the starters in Week 18? Their decision to rest Saquon Barkley rather than let him pursue Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record was met with both applause and angst.
Seeing him torch the L.A. Rams in the Divisional Round helps drive the point home that Philly made the wise decision. There's also a consolation prize. Barkley can break the 'all-season' rushing record. That one incodes regular-season AND postseason games. It's currently owned by Denver Broncos legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis.
Barkley rumbled for 205 yards against the Rams on Sunday. That brings him within 148 of eclipsing Davis. Saquon has a solid chance of doing so this week in the NFC Championship Game vs. the Washington Commanders.
Saquon Barkley has had great rushing success against the Commanders and has shown no signs of slowing down through the postseason.
Barkley scorched the Commanders in their two meetings earlier this year, achieving 146 and 150 yards respectively. Washington also has had one of the most porous defenses this season. They have struggled to stop the run and surrender 139 yards per contest. Only the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers have been worse.
On Saturday, the Commanders gave up 105 yards to Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Saquon will have plenty of opportunities to shine. He has run for over 140 yards in eight games this season. He scored two touchdowns of 60 yards or more.
How good has Saquon Barkley been? The proof is in the numbers!
One could make the argument Barkley would be ticketed if he ran through a school zone. He's been a blur.
Per NextGen stats, he has exceeded 20 miles per hour on nine of his rushing touchdowns. Keep in mind that speed limits in school zones hover around 15.
Barkley has reached the end zone twice during both meetings with the Commanders during the regular season. His march toward Terrell Davis’s all-season record has flown under the radar.
Dickerson selfishly rooted for Barkley to fall short of his mark though he later fired back after receiving criticism. Barkley came up 101 yards shy of doing so, finishing with 2,005 yards. Davis has taken a different approach. He seems to be more at peace with whatever happens.
The Philadelphia Inquirer has a nice take on that one.