Saquon Barkley’s quest for the single-season record in rushing yards came to an end a few days ago when Nick Sirianni explained why he is resting his starters.
As I wrote my original Rest or Play article, the news dropped that Sirianni would be resting many of the Eagles starters in Week 18 against the Giants. Let me start this article off with a note that I do agree that this makes sense. JJ, Charley Lancaster, and Tyles each made their opinion known earlier in this series, and their points (even Charley’s, which were hidden somewhere… probably under the cheese) also make sense. I don’t disagree.
Except for the fact that the Eagles 100% should have allowed Saquon Barkley, the O-Line, and Jeff Stoutland to try and break Eric Dickerson’s record.
Why Risk Saquon Barkley and the O-Line
I understand that every time a player steps on that field, there is a risk. I understand that these guys have been grinding week in and week out since October 13th: 2.5 years. 12 weeks. 84 days. They’re the #2 seed and will need to play wild card weekend, so won’t get an opportunity to rest after the regular season concludes this weekend. So, yes, it makes sense. The goal is a Super Bowl championship.
But why can’t it be both? Yes, anything could happen and someone gets injured. I do believe this team can go all the way, but at the end of the day, the chances of winning a Super Bowl are slim. Currently with 14 teams entering the playoffs, the Eagles have a 7.1% chance of being the Super Bowl winning team. Saquon Barkley needs 101 yards to break Erick Dickerson’s record; he’s done that for 11 games this season–there’s a 68.7% chance he breaks the record. Barkley averaged 10.4 yards an attempt the last time the Eagles faced the Giants–he potentially needs 10 attempts to break the record. The Giants, despite winning last week, are in a position of not wanting to win so they can get a Quarterback in the draft. Would the Giants fight a little harder to not let Barkley break the record? Probably, but let’s be honest. It’s the Giants.
Why Break the Record
The record is more than just Saquon Barkley running for the most yards in a single season in the history of the NFL. It’s the dominance of the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line. It’s the work Jeff Stoutland put in to create the most dominant O-line in the NFL today. The goal, for the team and the fans, should be the Super Bowl. But, that was the goal for Super Bowl 39. And Super Bowl 57. It’s incredibly difficult to win a Super Bowl. It’s also incredibly difficult to get over 2000 rushing yards in a season. And Saquon Barkley is just 101 yards away from breaking a record, in a season where he’s averaged 125 yards per game, that would not only look good for Barkley, the O-line, and Jeff Stoutland, but the entire organization.
And he’d do it against the team that let him go to a division rival where he’s had the best season of his career.
But I get it. It’s the smart play. It’s a lost moment in Philly Sports history now.
But it’s not what I would do.
How do you feel? Do you agree with Kev or do you think the Eagles made the right call to rest Saquon and the other starters in a manufactured bye week? Let us know below or on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
