Saquon Barkley closes in on Eagles legend as quest for NFL immortality continues

Saquon Barkley is rewriting the record books in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles. With 1,499 rushing yards through 12 games, he is on the cusp of breaking LeSean McCoy's franchise record of 1,607 yards.

The hits don't stop there. He's also within reach of a league record that was set four decades ago, Eric Dickerson’s 1984 NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards.

This journey has been about more than stats. It’s also a testament to Barkley’s dominance, the Eagles' offensive evolution, and the challenges he faces down the stretch.

Can Saquon Barkley break LeSean McCoy’s Eagles franchise rushing record this week?

LeSean McCoy’s record of 1,607 yards has stood since 2013. Barkley needs just 109 yards against the Carolina Panthers to break it.

Facing the NFL’s worst run defense, one that allows 166.8 rushing yards per game, Saquon is primed for another monster performance.

While he has thrived in the fourth quarters, Barkley might not need all four quarters to make history this time. Shady was as good as they come, but it may be time to pass the torch. What's cool is this is an Eagles home game.

What it will take for Saquon Barkley to surpass Eric Dickerson’s legendary NFL record.

Now, about that NFL single-season rushing record. Barkley needs to collect 607 yards during the Eagles' final five games to surpass Eric Dickerson's mark of 2,105 rushing yards. That's an average of 121.4 yards per contest.

Despite sitting out fourth quarters in three games, Barkley’s efficiency (125 yards per game) has kept him on pace to do so.

Challenges remain, including stingy defenses like the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Barkley has defied expectations all season. How cool might it be to see the single-season rushing record belong to an Eagle? It's certainly a real possibility.

Here's a game-by-game look at Barkley’s path to the history books.

Week 14 vs. Carolina Panthers

This matchup against the NFL’s worst run defense (166.8 yards per game allowed) sets the stage for Barkley to break LeSean McCoy’s Eagles franchise rushing record.

With the Eagles likely to dominate, Barkley might rest in the fourth quarter, but not before racking up significant yards against a defense that struggles with explosive plays.

Week 15 vs. Pittsburgh Panthers

The Steelers’ top-tier run defense (90.5 yards per game allowed) presents Barkley’s toughest remaining test. Pittsburgh will stack the box to contain him, forcing him to grind out every yard.

Despite the challenge, Barkley’s ability to make defenders miss could wear the defense down late in the game.

Week 16 at Washington Commanders

Barkley already shredded Washington for 146 yards earlier this season. There's no reason to think he can't do so again.

Facing one of the league’s weakest run defenses (137 yards per game allowed), this matchup could be another big performance, especially if playoff stakes are on the line.

Week 17 vs. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas held Barkley to 66 yards in their first meeting. The game flow, however, limited his opportunities.

With potentially higher stakes this time around, first place in the NFC for example, Barkley could see a heavier workload and take advantage of a Cowboys defense that ranks near the bottom in explosive plays allowed.

Week 18 vs.New York Giants

Against his former team, Barkley could cap his season with a record-breaking performance. We'd all love to see that happen.

The Giants’ defense, now without Dexter Lawrence and Azeez Ojulari, is vulnerable—and Barkley has already dominated them once this season.

If the NFL rushing record is within reach, Barkley could dramatically rise to the occasion, but we'd rather see him break the record in 16 games.

How the Eagles’ offense fuels Barkley’s success.

A seeming shift in the offensive scheme toward a run-heavy approach has been pivotal for Barkley’s dominance.

With elite blocking from Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson, Barkley has the tools to succeed against any opponent.

The Eagles’ balance has also preserved Barkley, keeping him fresh for critical games.

Is Saquon Barkley willing to risk his health for NFL history?

As the Eagles eye playoff positioning, Coach Nick Sirianni may opt to rest starters, including Barkley.

However, the allure of an NFL record may influence game-time decisions. Barkley’s humility and focus on team success complicate predictions, but his historic season ensures the spotlight will remain on him.

Final thoughts on Barkley’s record chase.

Saquon Barkley’s record-breaking season has captivated Eagles fans and NFL enthusiasts alike. His journey reflects unparalleled talent, relentless work ethic, and strategic team play.

Whether or not he surpasses Dickerson’s record, Barkley’s 2024 campaign will be remembered as one of the greatest in NFL history. As the Eagles charge toward the playoffs, all eyes will be on Barkley, rewriting history one game at a time.