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Tim McManus, ESPN Staff Writer
PHILADELPHIA — Eagles running back Saquon Barkley on Sunday became just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season.
The accomplishment came in the fourth quarter of a 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys that clinched the NFC East division title for the Eagles.
The coaching staff decided to keep Barkley in the game in the fourth quarter despite Philadelphia being well ahead. He was handed the ball on five straight plays, the last being a 23-yard scamper down the left side that put him over 2,000 yards.
Barkley trotted to the sideline and received a pat on the head from lineman Mekhi Becton and a hug from offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Coach Nick Sirianni then called timeout, allowing the rest of his teammates to swarm Barkley and offer their congratulations while the fans broke into “MVP” chants.
Barkley was replaced in the lineup by Kenneth Gainwell. He finished with 167 yards on 31 carries. He is now just 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record (2,105 yards). It’s debatable whether Barkley will have a chance to chase Dickerson in the regular-season finale against the New York Giants, as the Eagles have secured the NFC East and the chances of claiming the No. 1 seed is still a long shot.
This game also marked Barkley’s 11th with 100 rush yards this season, the most by any player in their first season with a team in NFL history.