Saquon Barkley is not just adding remarkable chapters to his NFL story—he’s rewriting it entirely. The running back, once let go by the New York Giants, is now crafting an MVP-worthy season with the Philadelphia Eagles, highlighted by a record-breaking performance in Sunday’s 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Barkley’s 255 rushing yards set a new Eagles franchise record, a feat that included two electrifying touchdown runs of 70 and 72 yards, propelling him into the NFL history books with the ninth-best single-game rushing performance ever. It was the first time since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2009 that any player had two touchdown runs of over 70 yards in the same game.
“It’s been amazing to get this fresh start,” said Barkley, who was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft. “Coming here, I felt I could show the world the kind of player I truly am. I’m grateful for this opportunity to rewrite my story.”
Those long runs took an immense psychological toll on the Rams’ defense. “It kills their spirit,” said Eagles running back Kenny Gainwell. The sight of Barkley charging down the field on those explosive plays took the air out of SoFi Stadium, especially with so many Eagles fans cheering him on.
Barkley’s 173 yards at one point threatened to set a personal best, but a glance at the stadium’s video board made him anxious. “I wish I never saw that,” he admitted. “That’s just the devil talking,” he laughed, referring to his own superstition before shaking off the distraction to break the Eagles’ rushing record.
By the time the final whistle blew, Barkley had racked up 255 yards on 26 carries, averaging 9.8 yards per attempt and generating an astonishing 302 total yards of offense. His success on the field was a product of both his immense skill and his powerful blockers, a combination that has been key to his resurgence this season.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised Barkley’s incredible burst and agility, highlighting his first touchdown run where he changed direction in a flash. “He just stopped on a dime, then hit the gas,” Sirianni said.
Philadelphia’s defense did their part too, as they extended their dominance over the Rams, winning their seventh consecutive game and holding a 9-2 record that places them second in the NFC behind Detroit. The victory continued a winless streak for the Rams against the Eagles at home since 2016.
Barkley’s dazzling season puts him in the conversation with other MVP candidates like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes. “I’m honored to be part of that conversation,” he said, though he remains focused on the team’s success. “It’s a team sport.”
After six seasons with the Giants, Barkley is now having one of his best years, with five of his 10 highest rushing performances coming in this season alone. “He’s showing everyone the kind of player he is,” said Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson. “A guy that size who can do that is just incredible. It’s fun blocking for him.”
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