ClutchPoints
Behind a ground attack that simply cannot be stopped, the Philadelphia Eagles are on their way to a second Super Bowl appearance in the last three seasons, and leading the way for the Birds is Saquon Barkley. Barkley may only be in his first year in Philadelphia, but he hasn’t wasted any time etching his name into the franchise history book as the most impactful offensive star who has ever donned an Eagles uniform.
Saquon Barkley already has enough capital M Moments this year to be able to make the claim that he’s had the greatest season ever by a running back, and not just in Eagles history, but in NFL history. He rushed for 2,000 yards in only 16 games. His backwards hurdle against Jacksonville was arguably the most viral play of the last decade of professional football. He’s ripped off seven touchdown runs of at least 60 yards this year, including two in the Divisional Round against the Rams where he was dashing through the snow like he’s Saquon Claus.
SAQUON BARKLEY 78-YARD SNOW DAGGER!!
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) January 19, 2025
But in the NFL, there’s something to be said of absolutes. Just like the Kansas City Chiefs would absolutely solidify themselves as the NFL’s greatest short-term dynasty if they become the first team ever to three-peat as Super Bowl champions, Barkley could leave no doubt regarding the weight of his 2024 season if he were to come through with a big-time performance in the biggest game in the sport.
So let’s start here… there have been only seven instances in the past where the league’s leading rusher in the regular season ended up played in the Super Bowl — Saquon Barkley (this year), Christian McCaffrey (2023), Shaun Alexander (2005), Terrell Davis (1998), Emmitt Smith (1995, 1993, 1992). This isn’t a bad place to start if we’re trying to figure out who presently holds the title. But let’s dig a little deeper.
If we’re looking for unique statistical markers to establish a potential GOAT running back season, it feels like if we combine the stats from both the regular season and postseason, if a running back got to 2,000 rushing yards, 20 total touchdowns and a Super Bowl appearance in the same year, they should be on the shortlist of contenders for this distinction. With that being the case, we’re down to just six seasons:
-Saquon Barkley (2024) – 2,447 rushing yards, 20 total touchdowns
-Shaun Alexander (2005) – 2,116 rushing yards, 30 total touchdowns
-Terrell Davis (1998) – 2,476 rushing yards, 24 total touchdowns
-Terrell Davis (1997) – 2,331 rushing yards, 23 total touchdowns
-Emmitt Smith (1995) – 2,071 rushing yards, 31 total touchdowns
-Emmitt Smith (1992) – 2,049 rushing yards, 23 total touchdowns
With all due respect to Shaun Alexander, a loss (and so-so performance) in Super Bowl 40 knocks him out of contention. That’s not to say...
