The NFL has seen its fair share of great matchup games this year. We already got a class of the AFC clash with the Chiefs vs. the Bills. We are getting an inter-conference clash this Sunday when the Eagles take on the Ravens. These two teams are very similar in structure. They both have two-star duel-threat quarterbacks and stellar defenses. However, probably the biggest game-changer for both teams this season is the star running backs they picked up in the offseason. The Eagles stole Saquon Barkley from the division rival Giants and he has carried the team back to dominance. The Ravens on the other hand picked up the rushing king Derrick Henry from the Titans to form a fearsome two-way running game. Both have arguments for MVP and Offensive Player of The Year Awards and will be crucial to their respective teams’ success going forward. Here’s what to expect for this Sunday’s running back bowl.
Eagles Vs. Ravens – The Running Back Bowl
Saquon Barkley
Barkley has been a Godsend since he stepped on the field in the midnight green. Not only has he been productive, he’s arguably the league’s most valuable player. He leads the league in carries and rushing yards with 223 and 1,392 yards respectively. He’s already surpassed his career high in rushing yards in a season, and it’s only week 12. He’s currently on pace to surpass 2,000 yards as well.
Barkley added a signature performance to his resume against the Rams. He had a career-high 255 yards rushing on 26 carries with two 70+ yard touchdowns. He was the difference between a narrow Eagles win and a dominating one.
Barkley has reached the 100+-yard rushing mark in seven games this season. The running back has also reached over 140+ rushing yards in five of those seven games. He’s been the focal point that has revitalized the offense. He will need to make another herculean effort on Sunday.
Derrick Henry
Henry has been the king of power runners for years now. He’s making that case once again in his first year behind Lamar Jackson. He’s added a new element of physicality to the offense, and in rivaling Barkley he’s not far behind statistically. Henry is a close second in both carries and yards with 221 carries and 1,325 yards rushing. He’s also leading the league in rushing touchdowns with 13.
His best game of the season came in a dominating win against the Bills. Henry rushed for 199 yards with a rushing touchdown on 24 carries. Henry made a statement on his touchdown as well because it was an 87-yarder to set the tone. The running back has rushed for 100+ yards rushing six times this season and 140+ yards in four of those seven games.
Looking at both running backs holistically, they’re neck and neck. It’s backs like Barkley and Henry who have revitalized the importance of having an elite running back this season. Now we will see who has the edge in the running back bowl.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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