Saquon Barkley needs a rare feat against Steelers to stay in the hunt for all-time rushing record

Saquon Barkley needs a rare feat against Steelers to stay in the hunt for all-time rushing record


Sirianni ranks Barkley’s leap as ‘the best play I’ve ever seen’LAPRESSE

Over the past 50 years, the NFL’s single-season rushing record has seen significant evolution, reflecting shifts in offensive strategies, player conditioning, and game dynamics. The record has changed hands multiple times, showcasing the extraordinary talent of running backs throughout the decades.

In the early 1970s, O.J. Simpson set the first benchmark by rushing for 2,003 yards in 1973, marking a historic moment as he became the first player to surpass the 2,000-yard mark. This record stood for 11 years until Eric Dickerson broke it in 1984 with an impressive 2,105 yards. Dickerson’s combination of speed and power not only set a new standard but also established a benchmark that many believed would remain unchallenged for years.

As the game evolved through the 1990s and early 2000s, running backs like Barry Sanders and Terrell Davis emerged, showcasing their unique styles and abilities. In 1997, Sanders rushed for 2,053 yards, tantalizingly close to Dickerson’s record but ultimately falling short. Meanwhile, Davis, who played a pivotal role in the Denver Broncos’ Super Bowl victories, set a high bar for postseason performance, though he never eclipsed the single-season rushing record.

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The 2006 season saw LaDainian Tomlinson set a new high with 1,815 rushing yards and a record 28 rushing touchdowns. However, it was Adrian Peterson in 2012 who came closest to breaking Dickerson’s record, finishing with 2,097 yards after a remarkable comeback from injury. Peterson’s performance highlighted the resilience and determination that define elite running backs.

Steelers defense tests Barkley’s record-breaking ambitions

Today, as we enter the 2020s, the pursuit of the single-season rushing record remains a coveted goal. Currently, Saquon Barkley is making headlines with his impressive performance this season. With 1,623 rushing yards already amassed and four games left, Barkley is well-positioned to challenge the record. To stay on pace, he needs to average 111 yards per game, a feat that, while challenging, is within his reach.

Barkley faces a tough test this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who boast the fourth-best run defense in the league. They have allowed only one 100-yard rusher this season, which makes this matchup particularly daunting.

However, Barkley has shown time and again that he can rise to the occasion, even against formidable defenses. “A 111-yard game for Barkley is no big thing,” emphasizes the belief in his capabilities, but achieving it against the Steelers would be a significant accomplishment.

Looking ahead, the final three games on Barkley’s schedule feature the Commanders, Cowboys, and Giants, all of whom rank among the league’s weaker run defenses. Barkley has already accumulated 388 rushing yards against these teams earlier this season, and he left two of those games early due to the Eagles’ commanding leads. If he can maintain or exceed his current pace against the Steelers, he will have ample opportunity to gain ground on Dickerson’s record in the closing weeks.





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