Saquon Barkley has cemented his status as one of the NFL's premier running backs with a remarkable performance this season. Playing for the New York Giants, Barkley has not only showcased his exceptional talent but has also etched his name into the record books. With 1,623 rushing yards in just 13 games, he has surpassed the single-season record for the Philadelphia Eagles set by LeSean McCoy, who accumulated 1,607 yards in 2013.
Even more remarkable is Barkley's consistent ability to rack up yardage on the ground. Averaging 124.8 rushing yards per game, Barkley is on an inspiring trajectory, heading towards 2,122 rushing yards by the end of the season if he maintains his current pace. Such a feat would not only place him among the all-time greats but also position him tantalizingly close to the NFL single-season rushing record set by Eric Dickerson in 1984, a challenging benchmark of 2,105 yards.
To surpass Dickerson's legendary record, Barkley would need an additional 483 yards with four games remaining in the season. Impressive as it may seem, this target is within reach for Barkley, given his extraordinary average of 6.1 yards per carry, a figure reminiscent of Barry Sanders' efficient rushing season in 1997. Performance at such an elevated level has not been seen since Adrian Peterson averaged over 100 rushing yards per game with similar efficiency in 2012.
In an interview, Barkley shared his thoughts on approaching such milestones, saying, "I never wrote goals down to break it, but you're always aware of it." His humility and focus on the bigger picture shine through as he discusses his approach to the game. He emphasizes his commitment to excellence, stating, "That's how I train. That's how I operate in the offseason and in camp, because I want to be great."
Barkley's reflections also provide insight into his mindset regarding record-breaking performances. "Obviously, that would be extremely cool to do, but at the end of the day, if it happens, it happens," he says. His words underscore a pragmatic yet ambitious outlook, acknowledging the balance between chasing individual accolades and prioritizing team success. "But not with the mindset of I'm scared to go try to do it. Whatever it takes to win football games, if that's in the way of it, then that's in the way of it," Barkley asserts, showcasing his dedication to his team and the sport.
Indeed, Barkley appreciates the blessings and opportunities afforded to him in his career. "I'm very aware God has blessed me with a tremendous talent and put me in a great situation here... to be able to play behind those guys and to play with the organization -- to be able to do stuff like that," he remarks, conveying a deep sense of gratitude and humility.
Beyond his personal achievements, Barkley's commitment to contributing positively to his team and the city of New York is palpable. "I want to win football games, and do something special for this city, and we know what that is," he shares, focusing on the ultimate goal shared by the Giants and their fans: winning games and achieving glory.
As the season progresses into its final stages, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Barkley. With each carry, he moves closer to rewriting history books while simultaneously working toward team success. Whether or not he ultimately eclipses Dickerson's record, Barkley's exceptional season has already served as a testament to his skills, work ethic, and perseverance. The Giants faithful and the broader NFL community eagerly watch as this remarkable narrative unfolds, paying tribute to a player who has already accomplished so much and remains poised for greatness.