Saquon Barkley is having the best season any Eagles RB has ever had

Saquon Barkley is having a season for the ages in 2024, solidifying his place as one of the NFL’s most electrifying players. The Philadelphia Eagles’ star running back isn’t just rewriting his own record books — he’s outperforming entire teams in the league. Let’s dive into the numbers and why this season stands out as one of the most remarkable campaigns in recent NFL history.

Saquon Barkley Is Outpacing Teams, Not Just Players

Through 11 games, Saquon Barkley has amassed a jaw-dropping 1,392 rushing yards, a figure that surpasses the rushing output of 21 NFL teams. To put that in perspective, only 10 teams, including the Eagles, have managed to eclipse 1,400 rushing yards this season. Barkley’s dominance isn’t merely statistical padding; it’s a testament to his explosive style and game-changing ability.

The Eagles, currently sitting at 9-2, have leaned on Saquon Barkley’s consistency and big-play potential to win crucial games, including standout performances in SoFi Stadium, where he ripped off 70- and 72-yard touchdown runs.

GIVE SAQUON THE MVP ‼️#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/JD9cdC4045

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) November 25, 2024

The Big Play King: Barkley’s Explosive Runs Define the Season

Modern NFL offenses thrive on explosive plays, and Saquon Barkley is leading the charge. His ability to rip off long runs has propelled him to the top of nearly every statistical category for running backs in 2024. Consider these stats through Week 11:

• 17 explosive runs (tied for 6th)
• 29 runs of 10+ yards (1st)
• 12 runs of 20+ yards (2nd)
• 5 runs of 50+ yards (1st)
• 1,392 rushing yards (1st)
• 126.5 rushing yards per game (1st)

Barkley’s knack for creating big plays, especially runs of 50+ yards, sets him apart. Over the last decade, only Derrick Henry has more runs of this length, cementing Barkley as one of the most dynamic playmakers of his generation.

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A New Dimension for the Eagles’ Ground Game

Philadelphia’s ground game has been productive for years, but Barkley has added an entirely new dimension of explosiveness. Comparing his output to previous lead backs like D’Andre Swift and Miles Sanders highlights the difference. Swift, for instance, finished 2023 with respectable numbers:

• 17 explosive runs
• 22 runs of 10+ yards
• 6 runs of 20+ yards
• 0 runs of 50+ yards

Barkley, in just 11 games, has already surpassed most of Swift’s totals and is on pace to obliterate the rest. Even Sanders, during his standout 2022 Super Bowl season, didn’t produce 50+ yard plays with the frequency that Barkley has this year. These game-changing moments have proven critical to the Eagles’ success in tight contests.

The Rarity of the 50+ Yard Run

The 50+ yard run is among the rarest and most game-breaking plays in football, and Barkley has made a habit of them. Between 2019 and 2023, the Eagles recorded just six total runs of this length. Barkley has matched that output in less than a full season.

Historically, Barkley’s achievements place him in elite company. Over the past 50 years, only two running backs — Barry Sanders and Adrian Peterson — have logged more than 20 career runs of 50+ yards. Barkley, with 18 and counting, is now fourth on the all-time list, surpassing legends like LaDainian Tomlinson.

Saquon Barkley’s MVP-Level Impact

Barkley’s 2024 season isn’t just about numbers; it’s about impact. His ability to flip the script with a single play has been a catalyst for Philadelphia’s success. At 9-2, the Eagles are firmly in the playoff hunt, with Barkley leading the way as an MVP-caliber force.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Barkley to see how far he can carry his team — and how many more records he can rewrite. For now, one thing is clear: Saquon Barkley’s 2024 campaign is a masterclass in running back dominance, and fans should savor every moment of it.