In a season where Saquon Barkley consistently dazzles football enthusiasts with his extraordinary ability on the field, the New York Giants running back finds himself on the cusp of something historic. With a remarkable 1,623 rushing yards under his belt in just 13 games, he has already etched his name in the record books, surpassing LeSean McCoy’s 2013 single-season record of 1,607 rushing yards for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Chasing History
Barkley, with an average of 124.8 rushing yards per game, is projected to reach an impressive 2,122 rushing yards by season's end, provided he maintains his current average. This projection puts him in contention to break the NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set by Eric Dickerson in 1984. Currently, Barkley needs 483 more yards in the remaining four games to capture this milestone. Barkley’s performance so far also reflects a consistent efficiency, boasting an average of 6.1 yards per carry, a statistic reminiscent of the explosive run-game seasons the league has witnessed in its history, such as Barry Sanders' in 1997 and Adrian Peterson’s in 2012.
Barkley's Perspective
While on the verge of potentially historic achievements, Barkley remains humble and grounded. "I never wrote goals down to break it, but you're always aware of it," he reflects, acknowledging the looming records. Yet, his focus remains firmly on preparation. "That's how I train. That's how I operate in the offseason and in camp, because I want to be great," he asserts, emphasizing a meticulous work ethic that fuels his on-field success.
Despite the tantalizing record within his grasp, Barkley maintains a balanced outlook. "Obviously, that would be extremely cool to do, but at the end of the day, if it happens, it happens," he muses, reflecting a mature acceptance of both the unpredictability of sports and his own burgeoning potential. Even though the spotlight is squarely on his individual accomplishments, Barkley places the collective goals of his team above everything else. "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," says Barkley, highlighting a profound dedication to his team's success over personal glory.
Beyond the Stats
There is a deep self-awareness in Barkley’s approach to the game, recognizing the unique opportunity afforded to him. "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 reflects, showing gratitude towards his teammates and the Giants organization. For Barkley, the driving force remains rooted in the ambition to uplift the team and bring pride to the fans. "I want to win football games, and do something special for this city, and we know what that is," he expresses, echoing the aspirations of Giants supporters and players alike.
Barkley’s journey this season is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and leadership qualities. As the final games unfold, the football world will no doubt watch with keen interest to see if Barkley can not only bring victories to New York but also redefine what's possible for a running back in a single season. However, whether or not he breaks Dickerson’s record, Barkley has already left an indelible mark on this NFL season, captivating fans and setting a standard of excellence for future aspirants.