In an NFL season dominated by high-powered offenses and aerial displays, two of the league’s premier running backs, Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, are proving that ground dominance still has its place. Both players delivered jaw-dropping performances within 24 hours of each other at SoFi Stadium, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown this Sunday as the Philadelphia Eagles visit the Baltimore Ravens.
The Barkley-Henry Rivalry
Barkley and Henry have been on a collision course this season, delivering unprecedented production. Barkley, with his jaw-dropping athleticism, leads the NFL in rushing yards with 1,392, while Henry, known for his brute force and iconic stiff arms, tops the league in touchdown runs with 13.
Their paths will cross at M&T Bank Stadium in a clash of two elite ground attacks, marking the only season in NFL history where two players have surpassed 1,300 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns through Week 12.
Saquon Barkley: Electrifying the Eagles
For the Eagles, Barkley has been the centerpiece of a midseason transformation. After a 2-2 start, the team committed to a Barkley-led ground game, averaging a league-best 41 rush attempts per game. Since then, they have gone undefeated.
With a league-high 4.56 yards before contact per rush, Barkley has redefined explosive running, thanks in part to an offensive line led by Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson. His highlight reel this season includes a reverse leap-frog move in Week 9 and a franchise-record 255 rushing yards against the Rams last week.
“Saquon is already the best running back in the world,” said Eagles receiver A.J. Brown. “I think he’s the best player in the world.”
Derrick Henry: Baltimore’s Ground-and-Pound Savior
When Henry signed with the Ravens this offseason, some doubted his ability to return to form after a down year in Tennessee. He has silenced critics by rushing for 1,325 yards so far, the most by any Ravens running back since Lamar Jackson took over as quarterback in 2018. Henry’s physicality has made Baltimore’s red zone offense nearly unstoppable, with his 13 red zone touchdowns tied for the most in his career.
“He just makes my job a lot easier,” Jackson said. “I always say this: ‘King Henry.’ The name just fits him well.”
Henry’s resurgence comes as the NFL increasingly values versatility in running backs. The Ravens’ ground attack, combined with a reduced rushing workload for Jackson, has led the team to an 8-4 record and one of the most efficient red zone offenses in league history.
Reviving the Running Back Position
Both Barkley and Henry entered free agency this year amid league-wide skepticism about the value of running backs. Barkley signed a three-year, $37.8 million deal with the Eagles, while Henry joined the Ravens on a two-year, $16 million contract. Their success is swinging the pendulum back toward the importance of the position.
“Teams are finding the value in running the ball to winning,” said Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. “The run game never disappeared, really… More teams are majoring in it now.”
A Clash of Titans
Sunday’s matchup is not just about two elite players—it’s about the identity of their teams. The Eagles and Ravens rank among the most physical teams in the league, and their commitment to the ground game has positioned both as playoff contenders.
As Barkley and Henry prepare to meet for the third time in their careers, fans can expect fireworks. Barkley, with his leaping highlights and explosive runs, and Henry, with his bulldozing style and red zone dominance, are set to remind the NFL why running backs still matter.
The showdown kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS, and it’s one no football fan should miss.
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