Saquon Barkley Becomes 9th RB in NFL History to Eclipse 2,000 Rushing Yards, Does He Go for the Record?

Source: Mitchell Leff / Getty

Saquon Barkley’s historic season with the Philadelphia Eagles continues as he became the 9th RB in NFL History to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in Sunday’s win over the Dallas Cowboys.

With a 163 rushing yard performance, Barkley is only 101 yards aways from Erik Dickersons’ NFL Rushing record.

Barkley spoke on the opportunity to break the record, giving credit to the guys up front that make it possible for him to achieve such success.

“We definitely knew what the number was to at least get 2,000,” Barkley said. “We weren’t leaving this field without at least accomplishing that. That’s not the words from me, that’s the words from the guys up front.”

And as far as the record? well… that’s up to the one that calls the plays.

“Whatever his decision is, I’m all for it,” Barkley said. “If his mindset is, go out and try it, we’ll go out and try it. If his mindset is, let’s rest and get ready for this run, I’ll all for it, too.”

“I’m not overly trying to go get it,” Barkley said. “I’m not scared to. I would love to. But at the end of the day, we’ve got bigger things we’re focusing on.”

Source: Mitchell Leff / Getty

When the media asked Head Coach Nick Sirianni what his plans were for Saquon Barkley, his response was plainly put.

“We’ll see” Siranni Said.

The last running back to exceed 2,000 yards was Derrick Henry, rushing for 2,027 for the Tennessee Titans in 2020. Adrian Peterson was the closest to the record as he ran for 2,097 yards with Minnesota in 2012, the second most in an NFL season.

Barkley (2,003 yards) now has a chance to break a 40 year old record (2,105 yards) as he enters the last season of the game against his former team in the New York Giants. Doesn’t get any sweeter than that.