NFL
Saquon Barkley makes feelings known over controversial Eagles decision
Game 18, the final one of the regular season, has Philadelphia facing up against Barkley’s former team, the New York Giants.
He said he probably didn’t care too much for the record... then he slept on it.
Saquon Barkley’s remarkable first season with the Philadelphia Eagles has been one for the record books – or at least close enough to brush their edges. The former New York Giants running back has racked up 2,005 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns, and a league-leading 46 runs of 10 or more yards.
But as the Eagles prepare for the final game ahead of the playoffs, Barkley won’t get the shot at breaking Eric Dickerson’s nearly 40-year-old record for most rushing yards in a single season.
“When I slept on it, I realized it was an opportunity to implant my name in football history. I may never get another chance like this.”
Saquon Barkley and the season of a lifetime
Joining the Eagles this offseason, Barkley’s impact was immediate. His 314 carries through 16 games not only helped power Philadelphia to NFC dominance but also put him just 101 yards shy of Dickerson’s 1984 record of 2,105 yards. With one regular-season game left - and wouldn’t you believe it’s against the Giants – it seemed like poetic justice was on the horizon.
But head coach Nick Sirianni had other ideas. On Wednesday, Sirianni confirmed that Barkley, along with other key starters, would sit out Week 18 to preserve their health for the playoffs. It’s a decision that has sparked debate among fans and commentators, with Barkley so close to cementing his place in NFL history. But what did the player himself think?
Barkley’s unexpected shift in perspective
Initially, as stated in my introduction, Barkley seemed indifferent to the record. “I probably didn’t care too much for it,” he said candidly after Sunday’s game. But by the next morning, something had shifted. “When I slept on it, I realized it was an opportunity to implant my name in football history. May never get another opportunity like that again so I’m down.
Teammates – particularly members of his offensive line – reportedly played a part in that change of heart. Their encouragement made him reconsider just how monumental a shot at Dickerson’s record would be.
“But at the end of the day, I don’t care for putting the team as risk. If the coach wanted me to go for it, I’d go out there and get it,” Barkley explained. “He’s the head coach for a reason. Whatever decision he makes, I’m OK with it.”
The bigger (Super Bowl) picture for the Eagles
The Eagles’ Week 18 matchup against the Giants may lack stakes for their playoff seeding, but it’s far from meaningless for Barkley’s former team. As Philadelphia rests its stars, other NFC playoff spots and seeds will be decided, highlighting the razor-thin margins in this year’s race to the Super Bowl.
For Barkley, the focus now shifts from individual accolades to team success. The Eagles’ plan to prioritize health over records is a calculated gamble aimed at keeping their best players fresh for what they hope will be a deep postseason run.
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