Saquon Barkley, after six seasons with the New York Giants, has joined the Philadelphia Eagles and is on track to break Eric Dickerson’s 40-year-old rushing record. With 1,623 rushing yards in just 13 games, Barkley is averaging 124.8 yards per game, potentially leading to a total of 2,122 yards this season. As he excels with the Eagles, who are 11-2, the struggling Giants, who didn’t re-sign him, are facing a challenging season.
Saquon Barkley’s Remarkable Journey from Giants to Eagles
Saquon Barkley spent six seasons with the New York Giants, where he was one of many running backs in the league. Now, as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, he is not only considered an MVP candidate but is also on the verge of shattering a long-standing NFL record that has stood for 40 years.
Chasing History: The Legacy of Eric Dickerson
Eric Dickerson had a notable NFL career that spanned eleven years, during which he showcased his skills with four different teams. Despite never clinching a Super Bowl title, he was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, and remains ninth on the all-time rushing yards list with 13,259 yards. Dickerson’s last game took place on October 3, 1993, but he has recently found himself back in the spotlight, largely due to Barkley’s pursuit of his impressive record.
In the 1984 season, Dickerson rushed for an astonishing 2,105 yards, a record that has remained unbroken for decades. Only eight running backs, including Dickerson, have surpassed the 2,000-yard milestone in NFL history. Barkley could soon join this exclusive club and potentially claim the record for himself.
After six years with the Giants, Barkley made a significant move to the Eagles, a divisional rival. During his time with the Giants, he had standout moments, including a record-setting rookie season where he made 91 receptions. However, his overall experience in New York did not fully align with his potential.
Eric Dickerson expressed sympathy for Barkley when he was drafted, believing that the Giants would not provide him with the support necessary to thrive. Now, with a strong offensive line in Philadelphia, Barkley is demonstrating his true capabilities on the field.
This season, Barkley has already accumulated 1,623 rushing yards after just 13 games, surpassing his best years with the Giants. He recently set a franchise record for the Eagles, exceeding the previous mark held by LeSean McCoy.
Barkley is currently averaging an impressive 124.8 yards per game, which, if maintained, could lead him to a record-setting total of 2,122 yards by the end of the regular season. Dickerson acknowledges that breaking the record requires extraordinary performances, highlighting that Barkley’s long runs are crucial to his success.
While Barkley aims for greatness, he faces a challenging matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who boast the fourth-best run defense in the league. The Giants, who did not offer Barkley a new contract and encouraged him to explore free agency, are now witnessing the impact of their decision as they struggle this season.
The Eagles currently hold an impressive record of 11-2 and are among the top teams in the NFC, while the Giants are experiencing one of their worst seasons in decades. As Barkley continues to excel, he is poised to turn the tables on his former team, solidifying his place in NFL history.