Eric Dickerson claims Saquon Barkley won't break his rushing record

On December 29, 2024, Saquon Barkley, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, became the ninth running back in NFL history to reach over 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. This milestone was achieved during a game against the Dallas Cowboys, where he completed a notable 23-yard run in the fourth quarter, bringing his season total to 2,005 yards with one game remaining. Barkley is now only 100 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson’s long-standing single-season record of 2,105 yards, established back in 1984. This remarkable feat marks Barkley’s return to dominance after previous seasons marred by injuries during his six-year tenure with the New York Giants. Barkley’s performance this season has not only been impressive in terms of raw yardage but has also placed him firmly in the conversation for NFL MVP. He has consistently averaged 122.5 rushing yards per game, which is crucial for his team’s playoff aspirations. With a total of 2,005 yards already, he is set up well to potentially eclipse Dickerson’s record in the Eagles' upcoming season finale against the New York Giants. However, the stakes of this game may be complicated as it could be relatively meaningless for the Eagles, considering their secured playoff position, leading to questions about whether they might choose to rest Barkley. As he heads into the last game of the season, Barkley needs to average 134 yards per game to set a new record. The Philadelphia Eagles had signed him to a lucrative three-year deal worth $26 million guaranteed, making him one of the most significant acquisitions of the offseason. Meanwhile, Dickerson, who holds the current record and is openly hopeful that Barkley will fall short, expressed both admiration for Barkley’s skills and a desire to maintain his record. He acknowledges the significance of Barkley’s achievement but would prefer it to not surpass his own historical mark. With one game left to play in his pursuit of NFL history, Barkley’s journey is emblematic of the evolving nature of professional football where players can now accrue statistics over a longer season. Furthermore, this pursuit unfolds interestingly as both a personal and professional rivalry, with Barkley seeking to carve his legacy while also navigating the expectations set by the legends who came before him. The upcoming game against the Giants looms large as Barkley aims to clinch a place in the record books while also reflecting on the unprecedented implications of playing in a 17-game season, a luxury Dickerson did not enjoy during his record-setting campaign.