The Kansas City Chiefs are the greatest modern NFL dynasty — the best since the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots. Ahead of Super Bowl 59, the story was centered around the Kansas City Chiefs. Appearing in their fifth Super Bowl in the past six seasons, the Chiefs were chasing history. A three-peat had never been done before.
After the Philadelphia Eagles ended the Chiefs’ bid at a historic achievement, Saquon Barkley shared his own thoughts on the situation.
Saquon Barkley Suggests This Win Could Be the Start of an Eagles Dynasty
There’s no denying Barkley’s significant impact on the Eagles’ success in the 2024 season. He put together one of the greatest seasons by a running back in the history of football.
Barkley led the NFL in rushing attempts (345), rushing yards (2,005), and total yards (2,283). Going from one of the worst offenses in the league in the Giants to one of the best in the Eagles, Barkley’s efficiency skyrocketed. After averaging just 3.9 yards per carry in 2023, Barkley spiked to 5.8 ypc in 2024. It’s the first time he’s reached 5.0 ypc since his rookie year and, obviously, the highest rate of his career.
It’s rare for running backs to have their career years this deep into their careers. But Barkley is keenly aware of the fact that his success was a team effort.
“I mean. Yeah. It took seven years to get here. Some ups and downs. Some injuries. But, coming here and being part of this team. I remember the first time in the huddle, I looked to my left, looked to my right. I see all the Pro Bowlers and the All-Pros on that roster. On that offense. The defense.
“I ain’t gon lie. I didn’t know we were gonna have the No. 1 defense. It kind of makes sense now because for all the talent that we had, they gave us hell in practice and at camp. But, you know, it’s a team effort. So, just. Year 1. Why not? Why not start our dynasty?”
In addition to being aware of how much his teammates contributed to his success, Barkley was also aware of the Chiefs’ dynasty narrative. Whenever we hear about dynasties, it’s always after they’ve already happened or are already under way.
In the early 2000s, the Patriots dynasty wasn’t talked about until they won that third Super Bowl. Most notably, they won three in four years, which is still something the Chiefs can do. Their dynasty isn’t necessarily over. We could very well see them back atop the mountain next season.
However, to Barkley’s point, why can’t this be the start of something for the Eagles? The core of their offense, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith are all returning. They’re almost assuredly going to lose Kellen Moore, but they can overcome that.
So, to answer Barkley’s question of what’s stopping this from being the beginning of an Eagles dynasty? The answer, at least right now, is nothing.