New York Giants owner John Mara’s sleepless nights this summer stemmed from a genuine fear: Saquon Barkley joining their division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. That fear, it seems, has only intensified. Barkley’s stunning transformation from a burdened Giant to an Eagles offensive powerhouse is a testament to his talent and the impact of the right environment. His departure from the Giants, a team that ultimately chose to release their $160 million quarterback Daniel Jones instead of paying him, has proven to be a career-defining move.
In New York, Barkley was the offense, shouldering an immense workload with little support. Now, averaging over 20 touches per game feels different. He’s thriving behind a formidable offensive line within a winning team – a stark contrast to the mediocrity of MetLife Stadium. His move underscores what many in the NFL already knew but perhaps overlooked amidst the Giants’ struggles: Barkley operates in a league of his own, consistently displaying feats of athleticism that defy expectations.
His latest masterpiece? A staggering 302 scrimmage yards against the Los Angeles Rams, including 255 rushing yards and touchdown runs of 70 and 72 yards, powering the Eagles to a decisive 37-20 victory. This performance, like many others this season, left teammates awestruck. Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, heard on NFL Mic’d Up exclaiming, “You already the best running back in the world, I think you’re the best player in the world,” publicly shifted his ‘best player ever’ title from Derrick Henry to Barkley after witnessing his breathtaking backward hurdle. This underscores Barkley’s remarkable ability and game-changing plays.
Through 11 games, Barkley leads the NFL with 1,649 scrimmage yards – the second-most by any player in their first 11 games with a team, trailing only Eric Dickerson’s 1,726 in 1983. His 1,392 rushing yards (at a remarkable 6.2 yards per carry) and 257 receiving yards showcase his all-around dominance, averaging nearly 150 scrimmage yards per contest. He’s on pace to challenge Chris Johnson’s single-season record of 2,509 scrimmage yards. Since 2022, only Derrick Henry (4,728) boasts more scrimmage yards than Barkley (4,541), a statistic particularly impressive considering Barkley missed 21 games due to injury across three seasons.
Rams edge rusher Jared Verse aptly summarized Barkley’s impact: “He’s a different type of player… He can go downhill. He can bounce. And he did both of those on us, so we have to be better across the board.” During the Eagles’ seven-game winning streak since their bye week, Barkley has contributed a massive 1,129 yards (40% of the Eagles’ total scrimmage yards) and seven touchdowns. While the Eagles’ exceptional offensive line (anchored by Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata), the dual-threat capabilities of Jalen Hurts, and the dynamic receiving duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith undoubtedly contribute to his success, Barkley’s impact is undeniable.
His consistent short-yardage efficiency and game-defining touchdowns have elevated the Eagles’ offense, catapulting him into the MVP conversation. He’s a strong contender to become the first running back to win the MVP award since Adrian Peterson in 2012. The rarity of a running back winning the MVP (only 13 in the Super Bowl era) highlights the challenge, as Christian McCaffrey’s impressive 2023 season demonstrated. Rams head coach Sean McVay perfectly captured Barkley’s skillset: “It’s the thing that makes him so dangerous is that you get him the ability to get to the second level unabated, and he gets enough speed, and he’s excellent.”
Barkley’s record-breaking season challenges the NFL’s prevailing trend of undervaluing running backs. While his performance may not immediately revolutionize running back contracts, it certainly raises questions about the league’s assessment of their worth. Along with Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs, Barkley’s success offers a compelling counter-narrative to the current emphasis on pass-heavy offenses. The upcoming clash between Barkley and Henry this Sunday promises to be a historic showdown, marking the earliest ever meeting of two 1,300-yard rushers in a single NFL season. While history and the presence of MVP contenders like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen may hinder their chances, one thing is clear: heading into Week 13, Saquon Barkley is playing the best football in the NFL. Tune in to Sky Sports NFL to witness the epic clash between the Eagles and Ravens.
