Less than 24 hours apart, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles and Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens demonstrated why they are considered the best running backs in the NFL this season, dazzling spectators with impressive performances at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. On Sunday, Barkley racked up 255 rushing yards in the Eagles’ 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, leading the NFL with 1,392 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Henry, with his powerful stiff arms, had a strong performance on Monday night, rushing for 1,325 yards and leading the league with 13 touchdowns.
The two running backs are now set to meet at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, when the Eagles (9-2) face the Ravens (8-4), in a matchup between two of the most dominant running backs in the NFL. This is the first season in history where two players have each exceeded 1,300 rushing yards and 10 touchdown runs through Week 12. Henry, reflecting on the significance of their performances, emphasized that their efforts highlight the importance of the running back position, which has been somewhat devalued in recent years.
This Sunday’s clash marks the third meeting between Barkley and Henry. Their previous matchups include a Titans win in 2018 and a Giants victory in 2022. Both running backs, having left the teams that drafted them, proved their worth in free agency, with Barkley signing a three-year, $37.8 million contract with the Eagles and Henry joining the Ravens on a two-year, $16 million deal. Their success at a time when running backs are often overlooked signals a possible shift back toward a more balanced offensive attack in the NFL.
Barkley and Henry’s impact on their teams is undeniable. Henry’s presence has greatly benefited Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, allowing him to focus on other aspects of the game while Henry’s power running style has boosted the Ravens’ red-zone efficiency. Meanwhile, Barkley has become the focal point of the Eagles’ offense, propelling them to a 7-0 streak since fully committing to the ground game.
Despite their heavy workloads, neither player is showing signs of slowing down. Henry’s durability and ability to perform late in the season is a testament to his preparation, while Barkley’s intense offseason training has allowed him to handle a similarly high workload without significant injuries. Both players are on track for remarkable seasons, and their performances continue to shape the future of the running back position in the NFL.
