A Season of Near-Misses and New Perspectives
Saquon Barkley's remarkable season has come to a close, with the star running back amassing a staggering 2,005 rushing yards. However, one cannot help but wonder what might have been if Barkley had suited up for the Week 18 finale against the New York Giants. Rested by decision, he finished just 101 yards shy of eclipsing Eric Dickerson's long-standing record.
As the dust settles, Barkley finds himself in elite company, becoming one of only nine players in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. Despite this achievement, the elusive record remains untouchingly close. In the twilight of the season, Barkley reflected, "When I slept on it, I was like this is an opportunity to implement my name in football history."
Yet, Barkley's team-centric mindset meant he embraced the decision to rest with acceptance: "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." His eyes are now set on the playoffs, another arena to etch his name in history books.
Derrick Henry faced a parallel narrative as the finale approached, standing 217 yards away from his bid for a historic consecutive 2,000-yard season. As fans eagerly watch Henry's pursuit, Barkley offers nothing but encouragement, advising Henry, "I told him, you can do something special, too. Be the first one to do it twice."
In a display of sportsmanship befitting of a champion, Barkley remains philosophical about the impending rushing crown. "If Derrick goes out there and gets 230, I'm not going to be upset. I'll probably be the first one to congratulate him," he remarked, emphasizing the larger story unfolding beyond the numbers alone.
No player has achieved back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons, a testament to the difficulty of such a feat. Yet, the possibility continues to captivate Barkley. "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," he mused, hinting at future ambitions and the ever-present drive to break barriers.
For Barkley, the significance of a rushing title goes beyond personal glory. "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 acknowledged, recognizing the collaborative effort and legacy involved in such achievements.
Ultimately, the season's narrative culminates in a broader, more profound perspective. "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 concluded, pivoting focus to the challenges and opportunities awaiting in postseason play.
As the regular season comes to a close, the NFL community witnesses the personal journeys of its elite athletes like Barkley and Henry, who chase history while exemplifying sportsmanship and resilience. Their stories remind us that, in sports, history is sometimes more about the pursuit than the destination.