Saquon Barkley Shines: Eagles RB Nears NFL Single-Game Rushing Record

 Saquon Barkley Shines: Eagles RB Nears NFL Single-Game Rushing Record

The Philadelphia Eagles' decision to sign Saquon Barkley to a three-year deal during the 2024 offseason continues to pay dividends. On Sunday night, Barkley delivered a career-best performance against the Los Angeles Rams, cementing his place among the NFL's elite running backs and putting him on pace to challenge Eric Dickerson’s long-standing single-season rushing record.

Barkley’s Explosive Performance

In the Eagles' 37-20 victory over the Rams, Barkley racked up a career-high 255 rushing yards on 26 carries and added 47 receiving yards on four catches, bringing his total scrimmage yards to an impressive 302.

From the outset, Barkley dominated, averaging 5.6 yards per carry in the first half and keeping Philadelphia’s offense moving steadily against Los Angeles’ defense. However, his most electrifying moments came in the second half:

• 70-yard touchdown run: On the first play of the second half, Barkley followed exceptional blocking to sprint untouched into the end zone.
• 
  
• 31-yard reception: On a crucial third-and-10, Barkley’s catch set up a Kenneth Gainwell touchdown.
• 
  
• 72-yard touchdown run: Barkley sealed the Eagles' victory with another explosive scoring run late in the game.
• 
  

This performance surpassed Barkley's previous career-high of 279 scrimmage yards, set against Washington in 2019.

Barkley Joins Elite Company

Barkley’s 255 rushing yards rank as the ninth-most in a single game in NFL history and the highest since Jonathan Taylor’s 253-yard outing in 2021. Here’s a look at the top single-game rushing performances:

1. Adrian Peterson (Vikings, 2007): 296 yards
2. Jamal Lewis (Ravens, 2003): 295 yards
3. Jerome Harrison (Browns, 2009): 286 yards
4. Corey Dillon (Bengals, 2000): 278 yards
5. Walter Payton (Bears, 1977): 275 yards
6. O.J. Simpson (Bills, 1976): 273 yards
7. Shaun Alexander (Seahawks, 2001): 266 yards
8. Jamaal Charles (Chiefs, 2010): 259 yards
9. Saquon Barkley (Eagles, 2024): 255 yards
10. Jonathan Taylor (Colts, 2021) and DeMarco Murray (Cowboys, 2011): 253 yards
11. 
    

Barkley’s Dominance in 2024

Barkley’s stellar season has him leading the league with 1,392 rushing yards through Week 12, despite having already completed his bye week. His pace places him as a top contender to break Dickerson's single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984.

With performances like Sunday night’s, Barkley is not only proving his worth to the Eagles but also making a strong case as one of the most dominant players of the 2024 season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he chases history in the weeks ahead.