Saquon Barkley's dominant 2024 season, leading the NFL in rushing with 2,005 yards, has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest running back performances in NFL history. Mark Ingram II believes Barkley's impact on the Philadelphia Eagles' success is undeniable and that he could be the key factor in their Super Bowl LIX victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Since 2009, the NFL has witnessed only four instances of a running back surpassing the 2,000-yard mark. Chris Johnson, affectionately dubbed 'CJ2K,' etched his name in history with a remarkable 2,006-yard season for the Tennessee Titans in 2009. Adrian Peterson defied all odds by returning to the Minnesota Vikings in 2012 after a devastating ACL tear, amassing 2,097 yards in a testament to his resilience. Derrick Henry, another Titans standout, followed suit in 2020, racking up 2,027 yards.
He nearly achieved the feat again with the Baltimore Ravens in 2024. However, the 2024 season belonged to Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles' star running back. Barkley's performance captivated former NFL running back Mark Ingram II, who believes Barkley's campaign eclipsed even the aforementioned legends. 'In recent memory, man, just the impact he had coming from the Giants and going to the Eagles in season one, is second to none for sure,' Ingram told Fox News Digital on Radio Row ahead of Super Bowl LIX, where Barkley will be competing. 'We’ve seen some special performances from backs, but his season is second to none. 'What he’s been able to do, the value he’s shown to the Eagles organization, the value he’s showing to the Eagles’ offense. It's been a special season.' Ingram, a former New Orleans Saints running back, cherishes the complete running back - one who excels not only in power running but also in pass catching and blocking. Barkley has consistently demonstrated all these facets throughout his six seasons with the Giants, but Ingram marvels at the current level he's operating at. 'The highlight-reel runs he’s had, speed, power, agility, catching the football and jumping over people backwards. He’s operating at a high level right now,' Ingram explained, also touching on his work with the American Gaming Association this week. 'He's in the zone and that’s why the Eagles are at where they’re at right now because of Saquon Barkley.' Barkley led the league in rushing with 2,005 yards. Had he not sat out the entire Week 18 regular-season finale against his former Giants, he might have broken Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing yards record of 2,105. Moreover, Barkley showcased his versatility with 33 receptions for 278 yards and two touchdowns through the air, bringing his total touchdowns to 15 for the season. Barkley's exceptional performance in 2024 is a key factor in the Eagles' current position, mirroring their scenario two seasons ago when they faced the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. But will Barkley be the difference-maker this time around? The answer will be revealed on Sunday, during the 60 minutes of the Super Bowl. One thing is certain: Barkley is extraordinary, excelling in every aspect of a running back's role, according to Ingram. Ingram emphasizes the importance of responsible gambling, especially with the anticipated record $1.39 billion in legal wagers on Super Bowl LIX. He partnered with the American Gaming Association to promote responsible betting practices, urging fans to set budgets, bet legally, and refrain from harassing players over missed prop bets. 'First and foremost, have a budget and stick to it. Be responsible, bet legally and don’t be harassing players – sending Venmos, sending CashApps when they do not hit your prop bets. Enjoy it, respect it. It is supposed to be entertainment,' Ingram advised. Ingram finds the extreme behavior of some fans towards players, particularly those who lose prop bets, alarming. 'It is crazy. People Venmo-ing, people DMing. It’s crazy, man. The players didn’t set the over/under for themselves, Vegas did. So, be mad at Vegas. The players are out there trying to do everything they can to help their team win a game.'
Saquon Barkley Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIX Running Backs NFL Mark Ingram II Kansas City Chiefs Eric Dickerson
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