Saquon Barkley's Remarkable Season and His Outlook on NFL History
As the NFL season marches forward, Saquon Barkley's name is dominating conversations, and for good reason. The star running back wrapped up his regular season with an impressive 2,005 rushing yards, positioning himself among the elite few who have surpassed the 2,000-yard milestone in a single season. Yet, Barkley fell just 101 yards short of breaking Eric Dickerson's iconic record, a fact that hasn't dampened his spirit or his philosophical approach to the game.
A Decision to Rest for the Bigger Picture
The decision to rest Barkley during the Week 18 game against the New York Giants was a strategic one, aimed at preserving him for the playoffs. Reflecting on this choice, Barkley said, "If he wanted me to play, I'm gonna go out there and make sure I'd get it. If we don't, I was okay with that too." This acceptance underscores his focus on the larger goals beyond individual accolades.
Chasing History with a Graceful Perspective
No NFL player has ever achieved consecutive 2,000-yard seasons, a fact that intrigues athletes and fans alike. Barkley, aware of the historical implications, remarked, "When I slept on it, I was like this is an opportunity to implement my name in football history." His philosophical outlook is evident, as he further noted, "At the end of the day, it's not in God's plan. He had bigger things in mind. We have a chance to rest and get ready to roll for the playoffs."
Barkley's contemporary, Derrick Henry, was close to making history himself, needing 217 yards to potentially claim back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons. In reflecting on this, Barkley expressed his support and understanding: "I told him, you can do something special, too. Be the first one to do it twice." Should Henry manage to surpass 230 yards, Barkley committed to congratulating him first, displaying sportsmanship and camaraderie.
A Milestone Like No Other
Amidst these potential achievements, Barkley has not lost sight of the legacy built by great running backs. "It would mean a lot, not only for myself and the offensive line, but when you look at the history of the position, all the greats had at least one or two (rushing titles)," he reflected, acknowledging the shared effort that goes into these milestones. Yet, Barkley isn't deterred by what might have been, instead looking towards the future possibilities with optimism, pondering why he can't be the first to breakthrough in new ways: "Why can't I be the first person to do that? I can be in the same position next year. This year? It’s not in the plans."
As Barkley gears up for the playoffs, he's set on making the most of what lies ahead, aiming to leave a lasting mark not only on this season but on NFL history. As the story unfolds, fans can only watch with anticipation to see what heights he may reach next year.