PHILADELPHIA — This week, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni faces a crucial decision: Should he let Saquon Barkley attempt to break Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record, or should Philadelphia’s standout runner take a rest during a meaningless season finale? The Eagles, who have already secured the NFC East championship with a record of 13-3, are likely to rest most of their key players as they look to ensure their health for a playoff run.
Barkley currently leads the league in rushing and is a mere 101 yards away from eclipsing Dickerson’s record of 2,105 yards set back in 1984 while playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Although it could be possible for him to reach this milestone in just one half against the struggling Giants, the risk of injury looms larger if he plays behind a backup offensive line.
Barkley showed resilience after running for 167 yards against the Cowboys and expressed that while he desires the record, he will not pursue it recklessly if it jeopardizes the team’s Super Bowl ambitions. “I’ll do what I think is necessary and best for the team to put ourselves in that position, but I also am very sensitive to records and all the things there,” Sirianni mentioned, indicating that the decision will weigh the pros and cons for both individual and team goals.
Regardless of whether Barkley plays, the Eagles are pointed toward their playoff future. With their postseason position confirmed as the No. 2 seed in the NFC, they will host the Giants this Sunday. Additionally, they are scheduled to welcome a wild-card playoff opponent on either January 11, 12, or 13, potentially facing either the Washington Commanders or the Green Bay Packers. The playoff picture could change depending on the outcomes of Sunday’s games.
Barkley, keen on team success over personal achievements, said, “I didn’t come here and sign here just to rush for 2,000 or break a record. I want to do something special, meaningful with the team.” For the Eagles to secure that championship banner, he may need to take a backseat in their next game.
In terms of what worked well recently, while Barkley’s performance is a notable highlight, the team’s defense deserves recognition for its dominant display against the Cowboys, allowing only seven points. C.J. Gardner-Johnson bounced back from a previous game suspension by recording two key interceptions, including a 69-yard touchdown return during Dallas’ first drive.
Yet health remains a pivotal concern for the Eagles. Maintaining the fitness of their quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has dealt with concussion issues, is essential as they prepare for the playoffs. Last season, Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown struggled in their postseason debut after injury concerns in a meaningless tilt against the Giants.
On a lighter note, the Eagles’ fans also found their moment of glory through a fan named Pat Driscoll, who became an unexpected hero. After A.J. Brown threw his touchdown ball into the stands, Driscoll caught it, and after a relay of fans returning it, he presented it back to the third-string quarterback Tanner McKee.
As for the Eagles’ trajectory, they appear strong heading into the postseason, with 7-1 odds favoring them to win the Super Bowl according to BetMGM Sportsbook. They head into their final game in relatively good health beyond Hurts and backup QB Kenny Pickett.
A key figure to note is the Eagles’ achievement of winning 11 NFC East championships since Jeffrey Lurie acquired the team in the 1994 season, with 10 of those titles won since 2002. Coach Sirianni now joins a select group of Eagles coaches who have won multiple division titles within their first four years.
Looking ahead, the Eagles will treat their next encounter with the Giants as a preparation phase before they embark on their playoff journey, fully intending to make a significant impact once the postseason kicks off.
