Saquon Barkley has been terrorizing defenses during the 2024 NFL season.
Sunday, he’ll be facing off against the daunting unit of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are gearing up for a three-game stretch over an 11-day period that begins with the clash against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Facing the league’s leading rusher is the ultimate test for Mike Tomlin’s talented defense.
Mike Tomlin Heaps Ample Praise on Saquon Barkley
The Steelers’ head coach knows the challenge ahead while describing Barkley as “the most significant acquisition in the NFL in 2024.”
“That’s what the tape looks like,” Tomlin said during his press conference. “He’s been dominant, eye-opening at times, obviously. Highlight-reel caliber plays, long runs, touchdowns, etc. It starts there for us. If you can’t minimize him in some way, you’re not even going to position yourself to have a chance to be successful.”
Barkley’s season stats so far include an NFL-best 1,623 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns. He has transformed the Eagles’ ground game into the league’s most dangerous, averaging 190.5 rushing yards per game.
The Steelers’ defense ranks fourth in the NFL against the run, allowing just 91.5 rushing yards per game. Yet, given Barkley’s success this season, Tomlin and co. might be facing their toughest task yet at Lincoln Financial Field. Barkley’s ability to mix speed, power, and agility makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
“He checks all the boxes in terms of physical talent; he’s got top-end speed. He can hit the home run, as evidenced [by] the Rams game. He’s good in tight-space areas. He can get downhill. He can lower his pads and run behind his pads. He’s got good lateral abilities. He can make people miss,” Tomlin said.
Another athlete that adds to the Steelers’ headache is Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. His dual-threat capabilities amplify their rushing attack. Barkley might be taking the spotlight, but Hurts’ 2024 performance (2,602 yards, 15 TDs) continues to fuel the Eagles’ offense.
For Pittsburgh, this game isn’t just about containing Barkley—it’s about managing a multifaceted Eagles attack. The last time Barkley faced the Steelers — then as a member of the New York Giants — it was a different story. In 2020, Pittsburgh held him to six yards on 15 carries and posted a commanding 26-16 win.
However, those days are gone, and Barkley has evolved into a different beast. Tomlin knows this matchup will be far from the same. Sunday’s showdown is more than just a game; it’s a battle for playoff positioning and bragging rights in Pennsylvania.
With Barkley leading the charge and the Steelers’ defense bracing for impact, all eyes will be on whether Pittsburgh can rise to the challenge.