Earlier in the week, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had high praise for Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley. While discussing Super Bowl 59 with “Sports Radio WIP,” Reid outlined how Barkley is “arguably one of the best in the history of the game” ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl.
Reid and the Chiefs face off against Barkley and the Eagles on Feb. 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Andy Reid’s Assessment of Saquon Barkley
The popular Canadian sports brand “theScore” reposted Reid’s quote, highlighting Barkley’s impressive performance this year.
“And they got a running back who is arguably one of the best in the history of the game,” Reid stated.
Can Andy Reid and the Chiefs stop Saquon from going over 124.5 rushing yards? 😤 pic.twitter.com/m98AWzlmGG
— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) January 28, 2025
The site’s sports gambling account on X (formerly known as Twitter) asked whether Barkley would rush for more or less than his rushing line of 124.5 yards.
“Can Andy Reid and the Chiefs stop Saquon from going over 124.5 rushing yards?” the post was captioned.
While undoubtedly an absurdly high number, this only further emphasizes Reid’s praise of Barkley as a running back.
Can Barkley Find Success Against His Super Bowl Matchup?
Barkley has had one of the most successful running back seasons in NFL history. His 2,005 rushing yards this year rank eighth-best in the history of the NFL, with the all-time record holder being Eric Dickerson, who rushed for 2,105 yards in 1984.
Barkley also has 13 rushing touchdowns, 278 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns this season. In the playoffs, he has accumulated 442 rushing yards and five touchdowns in only three games played. Those stunning statistics are good enough for an average of 147.3 rushing yards per game. As is clear, Barkley has been on his A-game when it has mattered most for the Eagles.
However, the next game may present the toughest rushing challenge for Barkley so far in the playoffs. The Chiefs have given up fewer rushing yards per game in the playoffs than any of the three teams the Eagles have previously faced (Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Commanders). Furthermore, the Chiefs have a strong defensive line that features standout players Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
Barkley has proven time and time again this year that he is one of the best players in the NFL. Due to this, he is a player that the Chiefs will likely need to shut down to have the best chance at defeating the Eagles and winning their third consecutive Super Bowl title in as many seasons.