Saquon Barkley ran for two touchdowns of 70 and 72 yards, making a significant mark in the Eagles’ franchise record book.
Could these performances also lead him to an MVP award or help the Eagles reach the Super Bowl?
The Eagles (9-2) have won seven games in a row since their bye week, including a 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. They are now just one game behind Detroit for the best record in the NFC. According to BetMGM Sportsbook, only the Lions, Chiefs, and Bills have better odds to win the Super Bowl. Coach Nick Sirianni has Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts playing at their best as the season heads into the final stretch.
Barkley has become a strong contender for the MVP award and is quickly becoming one of the greatest free-agent signings in Eagles history with his impressive season.
Consider the following:
— Barkley finished the game with a career-high 255 rushing yards on 26 carries and two rushing touchdowns.
— His 255 rushing yards set the Eagles’ single-game rushing record, surpassing LeSean McCoy’s 217 yards in 2013 against Detroit.
— Barkley’s 255 yards are the ninth-best single-game rushing performance in NFL history, behind names like Adrian Peterson (296 yards in 2007) and O.J. Simpson (273 yards in 1976).
— This marked his seventh game with over 100 rushing yards this season, the most in the NFL in 2024, tying his career high (2018 with the New York Giants).
— His seven 100-yard games are tied for the second-most in Eagles’ single-season history, only trailing Wilbert Montgomery’s eight in 1981.
“He just added a new dimension for us,” Hurts said.
Barkley also became the first NFL player to have two 70-yard touchdown runs in a single game since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2009.
For the Giants, losing both QB Daniel Jones and Barkley has led to a disappointing season with no wins to show for it.
“I didn’t know I would have this much success, (but) I’m thankful to be here,” Barkley said. “I’m thankful for the fresh start. A big reason why I wanted to come here is I felt like this is a spot where I could rewrite my story and show everyone the type of player that I feel like I can be and was meant to be, and it’s working out right now.”
