PHILADELPHIA – Has Saquon Barkley just finalized what could be considered the best season for a running back in NFL history?

Let’s hold that thought for now – especially after Barkley’s Philadelphia Eagles secured a spot for Super Bowl 59, following a decisive 55-23 victory over the Washington Commanders in the NFC championship game.

“I’m not going to lie, I tried to keep it low-key,” Barkley admitted. “But it’s just incredible, man. We made it to the Super Bowl.

“Yet, our objective isn’t just to arrive. The goal is to win. We’ll celebrate this, then get back to work.”

Barkley’s influence on the game was once again unmistakable.

He opened the game with a thrilling 60-yard touchdown run, establishing an early lead that the Eagles maintained throughout. On his second carry, he scored again with a 4-yard touchdown run. He capped off his game with another touchdown late in the fourth quarter, solidifying their significant lead.

“That really set the tone, didn’t it?” said Eagles coach Nick Sirianni. “We expected them to focus heavily on stopping the run. Then he broke through a couple of tackles right away.

“He’s tough to bring down. They don’t let me vote for MVP, but if I could, I’d definitely vote for Saquon. That was a special performance by a special player, and the whole team did a fantastic job to make that happen.”

For good measure, Barkley also played a crucial role in blocking for quarterback Jalen Hurts during his 9-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter, extending Philadelphia’s lead to 34-15. Barkley’s impressive 22-yard run in the fourth quarter set up Hurts’ third touchdown, a 1-yard “Tush Push” that faced several penalties in attempts to disrupt it.

On the day, Barkley accumulated 118 yards from 15 carries, marking his seventh touchdown run of over 60 yards this season. That total includes three in the playoffs, setting a new single postseason record and surpassing the career totals of any player.

“I don’t know, man, I wish there was a camera in our helmets so everyone could see what we see. It’s truly something special,” said Eagles second-team All-Pro left tackle Jordan Mailata when reflecting on Barkley’s knack for explosive plays.

His performance stands out in an era where quarterbacks and the passing game dominate. In that way, Barkley is reminiscent of a bygone era, consistently showcasing his ability to control the game on the ground. Fellow teammates even feel nostalgic watching him play.

“It’s like when I used to play ‘Madden,’ I’d just hand it to Barry Sanders, and magic would happen,” said Pro Bowl right tackle Lane Johnson about blocking for Barkley.

“He’s an amazing player and a fantastic teammate.”

If this isn’t the peak of his season, it certainly illustrates the significant impact Barkley has made since joining the Eagles from the New York Giants last March with a three-year, $37.75 million deal. Beyond his impressive stats and setting team records, he swiftly became a fan favorite and an influential leader within a seasoned roster. He’s set to vie for the championship ring that eluded him in New York.

“That’s the reason I came here,” Barkley shared. “I joined Philadelphia to experience games like this.”

Barkley has now totaled 2,447 rushing yards this season, including the playoffs, just 30 yards away from breaking Hall of Famer Terrell Davis’ single-season record set in 1998. Davis’ 2,331 yards from the previous year had stood as the second highest until Barkley surpassed that number on Sunday. Nonetheless, to solidify his claim as the best running back season ever, he’ll likely need to clinch a victory on February 9 in New Orleans. Both of Davis’ remarkable seasons concluded with him lifting the Lombardi Trophy, not to mention earning the MVP award in Super Bowl 32 for rushing three times into the end zone, alongside 157 yards.

Before this season, Barkley had played just two playoff games during his six years with the Giants. His upcoming game will be his first Super Bowl appearance, where he could be a game-changer for the Eagles, who largely maintain their roster from two years ago when they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 38-35 in Super Bowl 57. Hurts had a notable performance, rushing for 70 yards and three touchdowns, but received little assistance from the running backs, with the trio of Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Kenneth Gainwell managing just 45 yards from 17 carries. Of that group, only Gainwell remains, now serving as Barkley’s backup.

The Eagles are poised for another championship opportunity after eight seasons, this time bolstered by Barkley, who is also a contender for the league MVP award and ready to contribute to a potential title victory.

“He’s a remarkable player. Special players make special plays. And what a talent he is,” Mailata remarked.

“It’s a privilege to witness greatness.”

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Follow Nate Davis from News Sports on X, previously known as Twitter, @ByNateDavis.