The Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley continued his dominant 2024 campaign on Sunday night by setting a new franchise rushing record and propelling the team to a 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Barkley finished the Rams game with a career-high 255 rushing yards and 302 yards from scrimmage. Both were the most by an Eagles player in a single game in the history of the franchise. The previous Eagles record holder was LeSean McCoy, with 217 rushing yards in 2013.
Additionally, Barkley’s rushing yards total was the most in the NFL since 2009.
Barkley joined the Eagles as a free agent in the offseason, signing a three-year, $38 million contract. This is proving a steal for Philly, as the former second-overall pick in 2018 is playing on an MVP level.
Barkley already rushed for 1,392 yards in 11 games, most in the league. He also has 10 touchdowns on the ground as well as 27 catches for 257 receiving yards and two TDs.
“To be honest, I’m not surprised,” Barkley said after the game. “I didn’t know I would have this much success. I keep thinking God’s been blessing me a lot – a ton, to be honest – but I’m thankful to be here, I’m thankful for the fresh start.
After the performance against the Rams, Barkley has third-best odds to win the NFL MVP award behind Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen and Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson. In case he gets named MVP, Barkley would be the first RB and non-QB since Adrian Peterson (2012) to receive this honor.
