The 2024 NFL season witnessed a thrilling competition for the title of rushing king, with several talented running backs showcasing their skills and determination on the gridiron. This article delves into the final standings of the NFL rushing leaders for the 2024 season, highlighting their remarkable achievements, key statistics, and the impact they had on their respective teams. We will also address some of the popular questions surrounding the 2024 rushing leaders that fans have been searching for.
Saquon Barkley Reigns Supreme: The 2024 Rushing Champion
After a grueling season filled with powerful runs and consistent yardage gains, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles emerged as the NFL’s leading rusher in 2024. Barkley amassed an impressive 2,005 rushing yards over 16 games, averaging a stellar 5.8 yards per carry. His ability to break tackles, find open lanes, and explode for big plays made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Key Statistics for Saquon Barkley:
Rushing Yards: 2,005 (1st in NFL)
Rushing Attempts: 345 (2nd in NFL)
Yards Per Carry: 5.8 (4th among players with 200+ attempts)
Rushing Touchdowns: 13 (T-5th in NFL)
Longest Rush: 72 yards
100+ Yard Games: 8 (1st in NFL)
Barkley’s remarkable season earned him the prestigious “Jim Brown Award,” given annually to the NFL’s leading rusher, further solidifying his place among the league’s elite running backs.
The Closest Contenders: Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson
While Barkley claimed the top spot, several other running backs put together exceptional seasons and remained in contention for the rushing title until the very end.
Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens): A Force of Nature
Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens once again proved to be a dominant force in the running game, finishing second in the league with 1,921 rushing yards. Known for his powerful running style and ability to wear down defenses, Henry played in all 17 games, averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
Key Statistics for Derrick Henry:
Rushing Yards: 1,921 (2nd in NFL)
Rushing Attempts: 325 (3rd in NFL)
Yards Per Carry: 5.9 (3rd among players with 200+ attempts)
Rushing Touchdowns: 16 (1st in NFL)
Longest Rush: 87 yards
100+ Yard Games: 10 (1st in NFL)
Henry’s league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns underscore his value as a goal-line threat and his overall impact on the Ravens’ offense.
Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons): A Promising Rookie
Rookie sensation Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons had an outstanding debut season, finishing third in the NFL with 1,456 rushing yards. His versatility as both a runner and receiver made him a dynamic weapon for the Falcons.
Key Statistics for Bijan Robinson:
Rushing Yards: 1,456 (3rd in NFL)
Rushing Attempts: 304 (5th in NFL)
Yards Per Carry: 4.8
Rushing Touchdowns: 14 (T-3rd in NFL)
Receptions: 61
Receiving Yards: 431
Robinson’s impressive rookie campaign suggests a bright future as one of the league’s premier offensive talents.
Other Notable Performances in the Top 10
The 2024 season saw several other running backs deliver strong rushing performances, solidifying their status as key contributors to their teams’ offenses.
Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts): Despite playing in only 14 games, Taylor rushed for 1,431 yards, showcasing his explosive speed and elusiveness.
Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions): Another dynamic young back, Gibbs contributed 1,412 rushing yards and a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities.
Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers): Jacobs continued to be a workhorse for the Packers, racking up 1,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams): Williams provided a consistent ground game for the Rams, finishing with 1,299 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers): Hubbard surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, totaling 1,195 rushing yards for the Panthers.
Aaron Jones (Minnesota Vikings): A veteran presence, Jones contributed 1,138 rushing yards to the Vikings’ offense.
Bucky Irving (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Irving had a productive season, rushing for 1,122 yards for the Buccaneers.
FAQs
Who led the NFL in rushing yards during the 2024 season?
Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles topped the league with 2,005 rushing yards. This achievement marked his first season with the Eagles after signing a $37 million contract in the offseason.
Which player had the highest yards per carry (YPC) in 2024?
Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens led with an impressive 5.9 YPC, accumulating 1,921 rushing yards on 325 attempts.
How did rookie running backs perform in the 2024 season?
Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions had a standout rookie season, rushing for 1,412 yards with a 5.6 YPC average. Bucky Irving of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also made a significant impact, recording 1,122 rushing yards and averaging 5.4 YPC.
Which teams led the NFL in rushing yards in 2024?
The Baltimore Ravens led with 3,189 rushing yards, averaging 187.6 yards per game. The Philadelphia Eagles followed closely with 3,048 yards, averaging 179.3 yards per game.
Did any quarterbacks rank among the top rushers in 2024?
Yes, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens continued to showcase his dual-threat capabilities, rushing for 915 yards, making him one of the top rushing quarterbacks in the league.
What was notable about Saquon Barkley’s performance in 2024?
Barkley not only led the league in rushing yards but also set records with eight rushes of at least 50 yards and six rushing touchdowns of 50 yards or more, underscoring his big-play ability.
How did Derrick Henry’s 2024 season compare to his previous performances?
Henry recorded his fourth season with over 1,500 rushing yards and his second with over 1,900 yards, maintaining his status as one of the league’s premier running backs.
Which running back had the most rushing touchdowns in 2024?
James Cook of the Buffalo Bills led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns during the regular season.
Were there any significant team improvements in rushing from the previous season?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed notable improvement, with rookie Bucky Irving contributing significantly to their rushing attack, helping the team accumulate 2,535 rushing yards, averaging 149.1 yards per game.
How did injuries impact team rushing performances in 2024?
The San Francisco 49ers faced challenges due to injuries to key players, including running back Christian McCaffrey. In his absence, Jordan Mason stepped up, recording three 100-yard rushing performances early in the season before injuries limited his play in the latter half.
To conclude
The 2024 NFL season was a testament to the enduring importance of the rushing game in football. Players like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, leading their teams with remarkable performances. Rookie talents such as Jahmyr Gibbs and Bucky Irving emerged as significant contributors, hinting at a bright future for the league’s ground game. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles showcased dominant rushing offenses, emphasizing strategic ground attacks. Despite challenges, including injuries that tested team depth, the season highlighted the dynamic and evolving nature of rushing in the NFL, captivating fans and setting the stage for future seasons.
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