In a stunning display of athletic prowess that has reshaped the NFL’s MVP conversation, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley delivered a performance for the ages, amassing an incredible 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a commanding victory over the Los Angeles Rams. The historic showing prompted an immediate reaction from fellow rushing titan Derrick Henry, who tweeted an enthusiastic “GO CRAZY GANGSTA!!” on social media.
The Eagles’ 37-20 triumph at SoFi Stadium wasn’t just another win – it was a statement game that saw Barkley vault into the NFL record books. His 255-yard rushing explosion didn’t just set a new Eagles franchise record; it earned him the ninth spot on the NFL’s all-time single-game rushing list. When combined with his receiving yards, Barkley’s 302 scrimmage yards also places him ninth in NFL history for total yards in a single game.
Both Barkley’s touchdown runs were highlight-reel worthy, coming on breakaway runs of 70 and 72 yards. These explosive plays added to his league-leading six runs covering 40 or more yards this season, doubling the output of his nearest competitors.
The timing of Barkley’s breakthrough couldn’t be more dramatic, as it comes just before Henry’s Monday night matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Henry, who entered Week 12 as the league’s rushing leader with 1,185 yards, now needs 208 yards to reclaim his crown from Barkley’s new total of 1,392 yards.
The numbers tell an even more compelling story when projected forward. Barkley’s pace would put him at 2,151 yards for the season – a mark that would shatter Eric Dickerson’s 1984 record of 2,105 yards. More immediately, he’s closing in on Eagles history, sitting just 216 yards shy of LeSean McCoy’s franchise record.
This remarkable performance has significant implications beyond just the record books. The NFL hasn’t seen a non-quarterback win MVP honors since Adrian Peterson’s 2012 campaign with the Minnesota Vikings. However, Barkley’s explosive showing, combined with the Eagles’ impressive 9-2 record, has thrust him squarely into the MVP conversation.
For context, Henry enters Monday night’s game against the Chargers, facing a defense that allows 110.5 rushing yards per game, ranking 10th in the NFL. His season average of 107.7 yards per game suggests another strong showing could be in store, setting up what promises to be an epic rushing title race down the stretch.
The Ravens-Chargers matchup presents an interesting tactical battle. Baltimore’s second-ranked rushing offense (177.3 yards per game) faces Los Angeles’ middle-of-the-pack run defense. Henry’s over/under for rushing yards is set at 85.5, a mark he’s exceeded in 54.5% of his games this season.
As the NFL season heads into its crucial December stretch, this emerging duel between Barkley and Henry has added an exciting subplot to the playoff race. Despite recent debates about the position’s value, their pursuit of individual records and team success has reminded fans and critics alike of the continuing importance of elite running backs in modern football.
With both backs chasing history and their teams in playoff contention, this running back rivalry promises to be one of the most compelling storylines of the 2024 NFL season’s final weeks.