Eric Dickerson. An NFL Legend Who Doesn’t Want Saquon Barkley to Break His Single Season Rushing Record
Eric Dickerson and His Record
Eric Dickerson, one of the NFL’s most iconic legends, holds a single-season rushing record that remains unbeaten to this day. Established in 1984, Dickerson set the record with 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams. This milestone has endured for 40 years, standing as a proud hallmark in the history of American football.
Saquon Barkley: A Rising Star Nearing History
Saquon Barkley, the standout running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, is on the brink of a historic moment in the NFL. With 268 yards needed in the final two weeks of the season, Barkley is within reach of shattering Dickerson’s record. His impressive form has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. Entering the final stretch, Barkley has amassed 1,838 yards, requiring an average of 134 yards per game to achieve his goal. While this is no small feat, many believe that his talent and determination could make it possible.
Eric Dickerson’s View on Barkley
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Dickerson candidly expressed his thoughts on Barkley potentially breaking his record. “Do I want him to break it? Absolutely not,” Dickerson stated. He did not shy away from the topic, affirming his displeasure at the idea of his record being surpassed. However, Dickerson acknowledged, “If he breaks it, he breaks it.” He believes his record is likely to stand for at least another year, depending on Barkley’s performance in the remaining games.
Time and Changes in the NFL
When Dickerson set his record in 1984, the NFL season consisted of only 16 games. Since 2021, the league has expanded to 17 games, giving players more opportunities to set new benchmarks. Reflecting on this, Dickerson remarked, “He’s got 17 games to do it.” Hey, football is football.” Since Dickerson’s achievement, only a handful of players have come close. The closest was Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 2,097 yards in 2012. Despite these efforts, no one has eclipsed Dickerson’s 2,105-yard milestone, underscoring its difficulty.
Barkley and the 2,000-Yard Milestone
If Barkley manages to rush for 162 yards over the last two games, he will join the exclusive group of players who have reached the 2,000-yard mark. Only a select few running backs have accomplished this, and if successful, Barkley would become the second-oldest to achieve it, following Barry Sanders, who recorded 2,053 yards at the age of 29 in 1997. Though Barkley is nearing 2,000 yards, surpassing Dickerson’s record remains a formidable challenge. With many NFL teams now favouring a committee approach to running backs, players achieving numbers like Barkley’s have become increasingly rare.
The Future of the Single-Season Rushing Record
If Barkley falls short this season, Dickerson’s record could remain unbroken for several more years. As the NFL continues to evolve, with teams emphasizing a shared workload among running backs, the consistency required to match Barkley’s current performance is hard to come by. In the four seasons since the introduction of the 17-game schedule, only two running backs have surpassed 1,700 yards: Jonathan Taylor in 2021 with 1,811 yards and Barkley this season. This highlights the exceptional nature of Barkley’s pursuit.
The Legacy of Eric Dickerson and Saquon Barkley
Eric Dickerson and Saquon Barkley represent two distinct eras in NFL history, yet both have left indelible marks on the sport. Dickerson’s record remains a significant benchmark, while Barkley stands on the precipice of history. While Dickerson may not want his record to fall, the competition between players is part of what makes the NFL so captivating. Whether Barkley succeeds or not, his effort will undoubtedly shape how fans and analysts view past and present achievements in the league.
The future of the NFL will undoubtedly bring more thrilling races and new records waiting to be set. Whether Dickerson’s record stands or falls, his legacy, like Barkley’s ongoing journey, will continue to inspire fans for generations to come.
