Saquon Barkley sets Eagles' single-season rushing record
The records continue to be rewritten by running back Saquon Barkley. The latest was a biggie: On Barkley's 17th carry of the game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, a 9-yard gain with 7:56 remaining in the game, Barkley passed LeSean McCoy's single-season record of 1,607 rushing yards, set in 2013.
"I think it's pretty cool, the most important thing was getting a win, and we got the win. Being a fan of Shady (LeSean McCoy) growing up and seeing the spectacular things he was able to do with the ball in his hands and to be able to mentioned with him definitely means a lot," Barkley said from his locker after the game. "Gotta give credit to the guys up front. They've made my job a lot easier so far this year. Hopefully, it will continue."
Barkley, who also set the franchise single-season record with his ninth 100-yard performance, now has 1,623 rushing yards to go along with 11 rushing touchdowns. Barkley finished Sunday's 22-16 win over the Panthers with 124 yards on 20 carries (6.2 yards per carry) for his fourth consecutive 100-yard outing.
"You want to come in here and leave a legacy. I'm aware of it, but that's not the driving factor of it," said Barkley this week, who researched some of the Eagles' greats, including McCoy, Brian Westbrook, and Wilbert Montgomery after signing in free agency.
"I am aware of the things I can accomplish, but the way I accomplish that is by sticking to the script."
Barkley entered the game with an NFL-best 1,499 rushing yards and in third place in the Eagles' single-season record book. McCoy led the way with his 2013 monster season, and Montgomery gained 1,512 in the 1979 campaign.
Barkley's first touch came on the Eagles' second drive, a pitch left that gained 6 yards, taking him to 1,505 yards for the season. His second touch, on the third drive, gained 7 yards straight up the gut. Barkley passed Montgomery on the next play, as he took a handoff and bounced outside, gaining 12 yards to give him 1,524 yards for the season.
"I never wrote the goal down to break it, but you're always aware of it. That's how I train and that's how I operate in the offseason and camp because I want to be great. That's something that I want to do and something I believe I can do, especially with the men and women in our facility. They make it a lot easier for me," Barkley said.
"It's all good. The records are great. They put a smile on your face, but the season's far from over and there's a lot of things that we would love to accomplish. Go home, smile, probably give Anna (girlfriend) Jada (daughter), and S.J. (son) a kiss and then watch film and get ready for the Steelers."
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The Brotherly Shove!
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Celebration time!
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