Saquon Barkley breaks Eagles single-season rushing record, eyes NFL History

Saquon Barkley entered the Eagles’ Week 14 matchup against the Carolina Panthers just 109 yards shy of breaking LeSean McCoy’s franchise record for rushing yards in a single season. It seemed inevitable against the league’s worst run defense, and Barkley didn’t disappoint.

With 127 rushing yards in the Eagles’ 22-16 win, Barkley shattered McCoy’s 2013 record of 1,607 yards—doing it in just 13 games. The 2024 season is shaping up to be not only one of the best in franchise history but potentially one of the greatest campaigns ever by a running back.

The moment history was made.
The Eagles single-season rushing yards record belongs to Saquon Barkley. @saquon | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/3DDRTLlB2x

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 8, 2024

Saquon Barkley Rewrites the Eagles Record Book

1. 2024 Saquon Barkley — 1,623 yards (and counting)
2. 2013 LeSean McCoy — 1,607 yards
3. 1979 Wilbert Montgomery — 1,499 yards
4. 1996 Ricky Watters — 1,411 yards
5. 1981 Wilbert Montgomery — 1,333 yards

McCoy’s record stood for 11 years and felt untouchable in the modern era, especially given his dominant 5.0 yards-per-carry average that season. But Barkley smashed through it, averaging an absurd 6.1 yards per carry—a full yard more than Shady’s mark.

LeSean McCoy congratulates Saquon Barkley on breaking Eagles single-season rushing record

Barkley’s ninth 100-yard game this season broke Wilbert Montgomery’s franchise record, and his streak of four consecutive 100-yard performances tied Steve Van Buren’s record from 1948. He’s also responsible for the Eagles’ single-game rushing record, torching the Rams for 255 yards earlier this season.

Bigger Goals on the Horizon

Barkley wasn’t shy about how much the record means to him, especially given his admiration for McCoy growing up.

“Being a fan of Shady’s growing up, and seeing the type of things he’s able to do with the ball in his hands and to be able to have my name mentioned with him, it definitely means a lot,” Barkley said after the game. “But a lot of credit to the guys up front. They made my job a lot easier.”

Still, Barkley’s eyes are on a larger prize: Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards. At his current pace of 124.8 yards per game, Barkley is on track to finish with 2,122 yards, breaking Dickerson’s 40-year-old mark.

Dickerson himself encouraged Barkley to go for the record earlier this season, and Barkley has embraced the challenge—without losing sight of what really matters.

“Honestly, that would be extremely cool to do, but if it happens, it happens,” Barkley said. “Whatever it takes to win football games, that’s the mindset.”

The Saquon Effect

Barkley’s arrival in Philadelphia was met with optimism, but few could’ve predicted this level of success. After injuries and inconsistency plagued his time with the Giants, Barkley has found new life with the Eagles, crediting the organization, his teammates, and his offensive line for putting him in a position to thrive.

“God’s blessed me with a tremendous talent and put me in a great situation here with the Philadelphia Eagles,” Barkley said. “It’s not about single-game or single-season records. It’s about consistency, being the best version of myself every day.”

What’s Next?

With four games left, Barkley is poised to extend his franchise records while chasing NFL history. More importantly, he’s become the centerpiece of an Eagles offense with Super Bowl aspirations.

Whether he breaks Dickerson’s record or not, Barkley is cementing his place as one of the greatest running backs in Eagles history—and perhaps NFL history.

As Barkley himself said, “The records are great, but the season’s far from over. There are a lot of other things we want to accomplish.” And with the way he’s playing, the Vince Lombardi Trophy might just be within reach.

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