Saquon Barkley’s signing with the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 NFL offseason has proven to be a significant move. Barkley entered the Week 12 “Sunday Night Football” matchup with the Los Angeles Rams as one of the league’s top rushers. Following his outstanding performance, he is now on pace to break the long-standing single-season rushing record set by Eric Dickerson in 1984. Barkley’s performance against the Rams further highlighted his explosive abilities and his potential to set new records in his debut season with the Eagles.
In the Eagles’ 37-20 win over the Rams, Barkley posted the best game of his career. He ran for 255 yards on 26 carries, marking a career-high, and added 47 receiving yards on four catches. He was a major factor in the team’s offensive success, averaging 5.6 yards per carry in the first half and maintaining consistent pressure on the Rams’ defense. His breakout moment came in the second half when he took the opening play 70 yards for a touchdown, showing his speed and vision. Barkley also contributed in the passing game, catching a 31-yard pass and helping set up another touchdown.
Barkley’s 255-yard performance against the Rams was historic, making it the ninth-most rushing yards in a single game in NFL history. This performance placed him among the league’s all-time greats, such as Adrian Peterson, Jamal Lewis, and Jerome Harrison. His previous career high of 279 scrimmage yards was surpassed as he reached 302 total yards in the game. This remarkable outing added to his growing reputation as one of the NFL’s most electrifying running backs.
Through Week 12, Barkley has accumulated 1,392 rushing yards, making him the NFL’s leading rusher. Notably, Derrick Henry, who is in second place, has not yet played his Week 12 game, meaning Barkley is on track to finish as the league’s top rusher in 2024. Despite already having his bye week, Barkley remains ahead of Henry, further solidifying his place at the top of the NFL rushing ranks.
Barkley is on track to break the NFL single-season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson, who set the mark with 2,105 yards in 1984. With his current pace, Barkley is projected to rush for 2,151 yards in 2024, surpassing Dickerson’s record and setting a new benchmark for future generations. If Barkley stays healthy and continues his strong performances, he has a real chance to make history in his first season with the Eagles.
NFL Single-Game Rushing Leaders
| Rank | Player | Team | Rushing Yards | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian Peterson | Minnesota Vikings | 296 | 2007 |
| 2 | Jamal Lewis | Baltimore Ravens | 295 | 2003 |
| 3 | Jerome Harrison | Cleveland Browns | 286 | 2009 |
| 4 | Corey Dillon | Cincinnati Bengals | 278 | 2000 |
| 5 | Walter Payton | Chicago Bears | 275 | 1977 |
| 6 | O.J. Simpson | Buffalo Bills | 273 | 1976 |
| 7 | Shaun Alexander | Seattle Seahawks | 266 | 2001 |
| 8 | Jamaal Charles | Kansas City Chiefs | 259 | 2010 |
| 9 | Saquon Barkley | Philadelphia Eagles | 255 | 2024 |
| 10 | Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis Colts | 253 | 2021 |
| 11 | DeMarco Murray | Dallas Cowboys | 253 | 2011 |
NFL Single-Season Rushing Record
| Rank | Player | Team | Rushing Yards | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eric Dickerson | Los Angeles Rams | 2,105 | 1984 |
| 2 | Adrian Peterson | Minnesota Vikings | 2,097 | 2012 |
| 3 | Jamal Lewis | Baltimore Ravens | 2,066 | 2003 |
| 4 | Barry Sanders | Detroit Lions | 2,053 | 1997 |
| 5 | Derrick Henry | Tennessee Titans | 2,027 | 2020 |
| 6 | Terrell Davis | Denver Broncos | 2,008 | 1998 |
| 7 | Chris Johnson | Tennessee Titans | 2,006 | 2009 |
| 8 | O.J. Simpson | Buffalo Bills | 2,003 | 1973 |
