Eric Dickerson’s record in jeopardy as season enters final stretch

Eagles’ Saquon Barkley has a strong chance to beat Dickerson’s NFL record

Los Angeles Rams legend Eric Dickerson rushed for an NFL-record 2,105 yards in 1984, and 40 years later, his milestone is being challenged yet again.

Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley is 417 yards away from breaking Dickerson’s mark. To do it, Barkley must average 139.3 yards over the final three games against the Commanders, Cowboys and Giants. With the Eagles tied with the Lions and Vikings atop the NFC, Philly will need every bit it can muster from Barkley moving forward.

Breaking Dickerson’s record is very possible as the MVP candidate has five games over 140 rushing yards this season, including a season-high 255 in a dominant 37-20 win over the Rams. Sorry Turf Show Ramily, I should’ve known better than to bring up THAT crapshow. Plus, the Eagles’ final three opponents are absolutely dreadful against the run:

Commanders – 132.1 rushing yards allowed per game (25th)

Cowboys – 136.1 rushing yards allowed per game (29th)

Giants – 143.7 rushing yards allowed per game (31st)

Barkley is focusing on Philadelphia’s final three matchups instead of worrying about breaking the all-time mark.

“I’m fully aware of where I am. I’m not scared of it. If it’s in the way while we’re winning football games and being set up for the playoffs to make run at a Super Bowl, then it is. If its not, than its not,” Barkley said via Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports.

If I don’t get it, I’m not gonna be depressed. If I do get it, I’m not gonna be crazy happy. It’s a record. They’re meant to be broken.”

Adrian Peterson was the last player to get within spitting distance of Dickerson’s record after finishing nine yards shy from breaking it in 2012, en route to his MVP campaign. Barkley has a long way to go and has to play out of his mind if he has any chance at etching his name in NFL history. Until then, Dickerson has been a proud supporter of Barkley’s MVP candidacy.

Dickerson similarly supported Peterson during his MVP bid, but did not want the Vikings great to break his record, and likely feels the same about Barkley’s chase. It’s always great to see Dickerson’s record in the spotlight every few years, giving younger fans a chance to remember his contributions to the sport we love.

I’m sure the Rams icon will be paying extra close attention to the Eagles over the next three weeks, hoping deep down that like Peterson, Barkley comes up a little short.