> At a Glance
> – Saquon Barkley says he’ll watch Christian McCaffrey during Sunday’s 49ers-Eagles matchup
> – Since 2018, only Derrick Henry has more scrimmage yards than McCaffrey (2,126) and Barkley (1,413) among RBs
> – Barkley leads active players in playoff scrimmage yards per game (127.8), McCaffrey third (119.8)
> Why it matters: The mutual respect between two of the NFL’s top running backs highlights the competitive spirit driving both stars
Saquon Barkley doesn’t hide his admiration for fellow elite running back Christian McCaffrey. The Eagles star openly admits he’ll be watching when McCaffrey takes the field against Philadelphia’s defense.
The Mutual Respect
Barkley and McCaffrey represent two of the league’s premier dual-threat backs. Their relationship extends beyond the field, built on a shared competitive fire that surfaces in unexpected ways.
“We shot a commercial together this offseason,” Barkley recalled. “You know, it always starts off cool, and then somehow, some way, we’re competing.”
Their friendly rivalry includes:
- Connect Four battles at the Pro Bowl
- Chess matches via text (Barkley claims victory)
- Constant one-upmanship during commercial shoots
Playoff Pedigree
The numbers tell the story of two backs who elevate their game when stakes are highest. Among active players with at least three playoff games, Barkley averages 127.8 scrimmage yards per game, while McCaffrey sits at 119.8.
Barkley achieved the rare 2,000-yard rushing season in 2023 and captured a Super Bowl title. McCaffrey’s 2024 campaign featured 2,126 total scrimmage yards, though he fell 76 receiving yards short of becoming the first back with two 1,000/1,000 seasons.
Beyond the Stats
The Eagles running back studies his position with the intensity of a coach. He rattles off names of backs he admires: Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, Bucky Irving.
“I’m a fan of the position,” Barkley explained. “I’ve studied all of them.”
His assessment of McCaffrey is glowing yet grounded: “There’s nothing he can’t do. He can run the ball. He can catch the ball. Literally, he’s an all-purpose back, probably one of the best all-purpose backs to ever do it.”
Championship Hunger
Winning the Super Bowl didn’t satisfy Barkley’s appetite for success. If anything, it intensified his drive.
“You become locked in even more when you know what it feels like to hold a Lombardi Trophy,” he said. “You’ll do anything to win it all again.”
Key Takeaways
- Barkley openly admits to watching McCaffrey during games
- The two backs have developed a friendship built on competition
- Both players rank among the top playoff performers at their position
- Barkley’s Super Bowl victory has only increased his desire for another championship
As Philadelphia prepares for their playoff opener, Barkley balances his role as fan and competitor, knowing McCaffrey presents the ultimate challenge for his defense while representing the gold standard at running back.
