Derrick Henry's message to Saquon Barkley speaks volumes after new Eagles record

Baltimore Ravens star Derrick Henry was quick to acknowledge Saquon Barkley's record-breaking performance. The Philadelphia Eagles' playmaker set a new single-game franchise record for rushing yards during the Sunday Night Football victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

The 27-year-old accumulated 255 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, adding 47 yards through the air, making him only the 12th player in NFL history with more than 300 yards from scrimmage in a single game. Barkley's exceptional performance led the Eagles (9-2) to a 37-20 victory at SoFi Stadium.

He set a new single-game franchise record for rushing yards.

Fellow running back Henry expressed his admiration for the league's rushing leader on social media, writing "GO CRAZY GANGSTA! !" in a message to Barkley. His outstanding performance, highlighted by two 70-plus-yard touchdown runs, has thrust him into the MVP conversation.

Despite starting the night as a rank outsider with the oddsmakers, he had moved into third-favourite ahead of Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff by the time the clock hit zeroes.

Barkley is currently priced at +500 to win the MVP award, trailing only behind Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in the odds.

With a staggering 1,392 rushing yards this season, Barkley has outpaced his nearest competitor, Henry, by more than 200 yards.

If he clinches the MVP title, Barkley would be the first running back to do so since Adrian Peterson's triumph in 2012. His outstanding performance must be a bitter pill for the New York Giants, who have had a dismal year, dropping to 2-9 after failing to secure Barkley with a competitive offer in the offseason.

Reflecting on his move and incredible form with the Eagles, Barkley shared: "To be honest, I'm not surprised," adding: "I didn't know I would have this much success. I keep thinking God's been blessing me a lot – a ton, to be honest – but I'm thankful to be here, I'm thankful for the fresh start."

He also revealed the personal motivations behind his transfer: "A big reason why I wanted to come here, me and my family, my fiancée, had a conversation of, 'Hey, I think this is a spot where I can kind of rewrite my story and feel like I can show everyone what type of player I feel like I can be and was meant to be.'

"I love being in that [MVP] conversation. It's cool and all. But it's a team sport.

"And if you told me I can have the year I'm having and win MVP but not win the Super Bowl, or I can have the year I'm having and not win MVP or Offensive Player of the Year and win the Super Bowl, I'm going to take the [second] one."