Barkley's 255-yard, 2-TD masterclass!
Saquon Barkley stole the show with two electrifying touchdown runs of 70 and 72 yards in the second half, amassing a jaw-dropping 255 rushing yards. This Eagles franchise record powered Philadelphia to its seventh straight win, a commanding 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night.
Barkley’s game was nothing short of historic. His explosive runs bookended the second half, with the 70-yarder coming on the first snap of the third quarter and the 72-yard dash sealing the game with just 2:44 left on the clock. These runs helped him become the first player since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2009 to notch two 70-yard touchdown runs in a single game.
In total, Barkley racked up 302 all-purpose yards, cementing his place as the league’s rushing leader with 1,392 yards this season. His debut season with the Eagles has been nothing less than spectacular, featuring a league-best seven 100-yard rushing games.
While averaging an astounding 9.8 yards per carry, Barkley shattered LeSean McCoy’s Eagles record of 217 rushing yards set in 2013 and delivered the most dominant rushing performance ever against the Rams, surpassing DeMarco Murray’s 253-yard game in 2011.
Barkley’s explosive night joins a short list of all-time great rushing performances against the Rams. DeMarco Murray rushed for 253 yards and a touchdown against them 13 years ago, but Barkley’s 255-yard outing bumps Murray down a spot on the NFL’s list of single-game rushing leaders.
The Rams are now one of only three teams to allow a 250-yard rusher multiple times. The Broncos have given up massive performances to Jamaal Charles (259 yards) and Corey Dillon (278 yards), while the Raiders saw Doug Martin rack up 251 yards and Shaun Alexander scorch them for 266 yards. The Rams now share this unfortunate distinction.
Adding to his already impressive night, Barkley contributed 47 receiving yards, making him the first player in NFL history to achieve at least 250 rushing yards and 45 receiving yards in a single game. While the Rams’ defense will want to forget this game, Barkley’s performance will be remembered as one of the finest by any running back.
Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown didn’t hold back when asked about his teammate, Saquon Barkley. Having played alongside dominant backs like Derrick Henry, Brown gave Barkley the highest praise:
“I think he’s the best in the world, man. He’s definitely touched by God. He works hard, and I had to give him that nod.”
Barkley has been transformative for Philadelphia after joining the team on a three-year, $37.5 million deal, and Brown’s statement only underscores his impact.
For Barkley, personal accolades take a backseat to team success and consistency. He attributes much of his performance to his teammates and offensive line.
“My whole mantra this offseason and this season, how consistent I can be day-to-day. Whether I rush for 250 yards or I rush for 50 yards, still come in on Monday and do the same thing,” Barkley said after the game. “My story’s not finished and it’s going to keep going. When the season’s all said and done, we’ll look back and smile and be happy with the things I did or didn’t do.”
Barkley’s night also pushed him past 1,500 scrimmage yards (1,602) for the season, setting the record for the fastest player to reach that mark through the first 11 games with a new team in NFL history. It’s also the most scrimmage yards by any player in Eagles history through 11 games.
As he humbly acknowledged his teammates, Barkley added: “I can’t do it alone. I’m surrounded by great players. If you look at every single play that I made today, you see so many other players going above and beyond for me.”
Image: © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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