With the Philadelphia Eagles' playoff position secured, their final regular season game against the New York Giants presents a unique dilemma. While the game's outcome holds little significance for the team's standings, it offers star running back Saquon Barkley a shot at NFL history.
Barkley currently sits just 101 yards shy of eclipsing Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record, following a stellar 167-yard performance last week. Achieving this milestone would solidify his place among the league's elite rushers, marking the ninth instance of a player reaching the 2,000-yard mark in a single season, and notably, doing so in a 16-game span.
The potential record-breaking performance coinciding with the final regular season game raises questions about its validity. However, the situation presents a challenge for Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, who must weigh Barkley's personal ambition against the team's overall well-being. Sirianni has stated he will consult with players, staff, general manager Howie Roseman, and team owner Jeffrey Lurie to determine the best course of action.
Sirianni's past actions offer a potential precedent. In 2021, he rested most starters while allowing rookie receiver DeVonta Smith to pursue a receiving record, which Smith ultimately achieved. This time, the decision is further complicated by the opponent. Breaking the record against the Giants, the team that chose not to re-sign him after six seasons, would add a layer of poetic justice to Barkley's accomplishment.
Recent events in college football provide another parallel. Quarterback Cam Ward broke the FBS record for career touchdown passes but sat out the second half, prioritizing the team's broader objectives. Barkley himself has expressed a willingness to prioritize the team's success over individual accolades, stating his desire for a championship banner over a personal record.
With 2,005 rushing yards and an average of 125.3 yards per game, Barkley has consistently delivered exceptional performances, exceeding 100 yards in 11 games this season. Whether or not he gets the opportunity to chase the record, his season has been undeniably remarkable.
