Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley has sparked fiery debates across the NFL universe with his bold assessment of the team’s legacy following their historic Super Bowl LIX victory. The Eagles capped off a dominant 2024-25 campaign by dismantling the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, halting their quest for a three-peat while securing their second Lombardi Trophy.
Now, as Philadelphia prepares to defend its crown, Barkley—a central figure in their championship run—has made a jaw-dropping claim about where this Eagles squad stands among football’s greatest dynasties.
Saquon Barkley’s bombshell
During a recent appearance on the Exciting Mics podcast, Barkley didn’t mince words when evaluating the 2024 Eagles’ place in history.
“I firmly believe… we were a Top 5 team of all time,” he declared to co-hosts Reed Blankenship and Cooper DeJean.
The assertion places Philadelphia Eagles alongside legendary squads like the ’85 Bears and ’07 Patriots—a staggering endorsement for a team that started the season 2-2, including a loss to Washington after quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered an early injury.
The case for Eagles immortality
Saquon Barkley’s argument hinges on Philadelphia’s unparalleled dominance post-Week 4. After their shaky start, the Eagles ripped off 16 straight wins, finishing with an 18-2 record—a feat matched only by the 1984 49ers, 1985 Bears, and 2007 Patriots. But stats alone don’t tell the full story:
Offensive Juggernaut: The Eagles led the NFL in rushing yards (2,450) and points per game (32.1), powered by Barkley’s 1,800+ all-purpose yards and Hurts’ dual-threat mastery.
Defensive Dominance: Coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s unit ranked No. 1 in yards allowed (285.3 per game) and forced a league-high 35 turnovers.
Postseason Fireworks: Philadelphia set an NFL record with 95 combined points in the NFC Championship and Super Bowl, steamrolling elite defenses like San Francisco and Kansas City.
Overcoming Adversity: From doubt to dynasty
The Eagles’ journey wasn’t without hurdles. Jalen Hurts’ midseason ankle injury, coupled with a porous secondary early on, had critics questioning their contender status. But Saquon Barkley emphasized their resilience:
“Outside the first four games, it was belt to [expletive].”
The team’s depth shone as backups like tight end Dallas Goedert stepped up, while the defense tightened, allowing just 14.2 PPG during their win streak.
The greatness debate
Detractors point to Philadelphia Eagles' soft schedule (facing only three playoff teams pre-Super Bowl) and late defensive lapses. Yet Barkley counters with context: “We peaked when it mattered.” The Eagles’ playoff run—outscoring opponents 142-68—showcased a balance of offensive explosiveness and defensive grit rarely seen in modern football.
Whether fans slot the 2024 Eagles beside the ’72 Dolphins or ’00 Ravens is subjective. But Saquon Barkley’s case—rooted in historic win totals, two-way dominance, and clutch performances—demands consideration. As the NFL evolves, this Philadelphia squad’s ability to blend old-school physicality with new-age schematics might just redefine what a “legendary team” looks like.