Saquon Barkley makes feelings clear as Derrick Henry threatens Eagles RB's 2024 rushing title

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley displayed remarkable humility when discussing his grip on the 2024 NFL rushing title. Despite joining the exclusive 2,000-yard club last week, Barkley refused to claim victory prematurely.

Two powerhouse runners have redefined expectations this season. Barkley's historic achievement marks the first 2,000-yard rushing season since Derrick Henry's memorable 2020 campaign. Meanwhile, Henry has found new life with the Baltimore Ravens, accumulating 1,783 yards heading into Week 18.

During a media session this week, as reported by NBC Sports Philadelphia on Saturday, Barkley addressed questions about securing the rushing title.

"I gotta be careful what I say because Derrick (Henry) can still get that, you know what I mean?" Barkley said. "He's a special player and you can't count him out of anything."

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The stats paint an intriguing picture — Henry trails Barkley by 222 yards as the Ravens prepare to face the Cleveland Browns. While the gap appears substantial, Barkley's cautious approach reflects Henry's proven ability to deliver extraordinary performances.

Saquon Barkley and Henry's mutual respect

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Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry's bond runs deeper than the competition. The two backs spoke over the phone on Wednesday, continuing a friendship that blossomed during free agency.

"I talked to him today," Barkley said. "He was talking to me to see if I was going to get (the record)."

When reminded that previous 2K club members never reached that milestone again, Barkley immediately championed Henry's potential.

"I told him you could do something special too," Barkley said. "Be the first one to do it twice. You never know."

The Athletic's Ted Nguyen reported on Friday that both runners have thrived in their new environments. Henry is posting a career-best 5.8 yards per carry in Baltimore's dynamic offense alongside Lamar Jackson. Meanwhile, Barkley's record-breaking season behind Philadelphia's dominant offensive line challenges the notion that elite RBs are becoming obsolete.

NFL defenses have evolved significantly, with nickel formations increasing from 57% (2016-2021) to 64% (2022-2024). This shift toward lighter, faster personnel has created opportunities for power runners. The league's top offenses in 2024 have found success through their ground game, with the Eagles and Ravens leading the charge.

The renaissance of elite RBs is evident in the numbers. The Athletic noted that only five rushers in the past decade have maintained high efficiency with more than 200 carries. Remarkably, four of those seasons occurred in the last two years, including three this season.