Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has a rare opportunity to chase down NFL history over the final month of the 2024-25 NFL season. Barkley has amassed 1,688 yards in his first season wearing Midnight Green. With three games left, the 27-year-old running back could dash the NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards held by Eric Dickerson of the 1984 Los Angeles Rams. The record would be a massive honor for Barkley, the offensive line, and the Philadelphia Eagles organization.
History All-Time Single Season Record
Saquon needs 418 rushing yards to set a new all-time single-season rushing record. In the process, Barkley will become the ninth running back to reach 2,000 yards in a single season with 312 rushing yards. The feat was most recently accomplished by Derrick Henry in 2020 for Tennessee.
The only serious threat to Dickerson’s record in the 44-year history of the record was in 2012. Adrian Peterson’s 2,097-yard season ended an agonizing first down away from a new all-time mark for the Minnesota Vikings. Peterson fell 9 yards short of the new all-time mark.
Saquon Barkley and his Eagles hope to replicate the Super Bowl-winning season of the 1998 Denver Broncos. Terrell Davis rushed for 2,008 yards during the campaign and is the only member of the 2,000-yard club that saw action in the football’s ultimate game during his record-setting season. Denver defeated Atlanta, 34-19, to lift their second straight Lombardi title at Super Bowl XXXIII. Davis rushed for 102 yards on 25 attempts in the NFL Title game.
Three Remaining NFC East Battles
Philadelphia’s dynamic running back has a favorable schedule ahead of him despite the remaining games being NFC-East battles with the Washington Commanders, the Dallas Cowboys, and the New York Giants. All three teams are in the bottom third of NFL team stats against the run this season, allowing NFL running backs almost five yards per attempt. It could be an exhilarating three weeks of record-chasing for Eagles fans!
Washington is the best of the bunch, allowing 1,850 games through 14 games for 132/rushing yards against average this season, ranking 24th in the NFL. The Commanders have allowed a 20+ yard gain on 12 occasions this season, including a 39-yard gain to Barkley in their November meeting in Philadelphia. Saquon finished with 146 yards on 26 carries for an average of 6 yards per carry.
Dallas has allowed 1,905 yards on the ground this season for an average of 136/rushing yards against (29th). The Cowboys held Barkley to 66 yards in Week 9. In the win, Kellen Moore attacked Dallas through the air to limit Micah Parsons’ impact. Barkley finished with 66 yards on 14 carries for a 5-yard per-carry average in Week 9.
New York is the second-worst team in the NFL against the run, allowing 2,012 total rushing yards for an average of 144/rushing yards per game this season. The Giants have allowed a 40+ yard run on five occasions this season while also allowing the most 20+ yard gains in the league. If Saquon is anywhere near the record entering Week 18, there might be no better matchup for him to stake his claim to NFL history than against the team that let him walk to Philly in free agency.
Perfect Honor for Stoutland University
Offensive linemen rarely get glory in the NFL. Eagles Offensive Lineman Lane Johnson doesn’t receive accolades after a 140+ yard rushing day from Saquon. Yet, those gargantuan men are equally involved in the overall success of the day’s offensive performance. Saquon Barkley’s rushing for the all-time single-season record is just as much showcasing the dominant run capabilities of the offensive line in Philadelphia as it is for displaying the undeniable skills Saquon possesses.
Philly has managed to keep its offensive lines operational following the retirement of Eagles-legendary center Jason Kelce, who was responsible for operating the offensive line over the last decade. Tackle Jordan Mialata receives no “offensive players of the game” awards for leveling blocks that allow his running back to find gridiron success. That proper execution and an “A” grade from Stoutland University will be discussed internally during the postgame breakdown that week. There would be no better way to cement Eagles Offensive Line Coach Jeff Stoutland’s place in NFL history than for a Philadelphia running back to set the all-time single-season rushing record. Barkley is 418 yards from bestowing that honor to himself, his lineman, and his first-year organization.
Philadelphia (11-2) can secure the NFC East crown for the second time in three years with a win over Washington (9-5) at Northwest Stadium for a 1 pm EST kickoff in Landover, Maryland.
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
