The Philadelphia Eagles are locked into No. 2, so from a team perspective, Sunday afternoon against the New York Giants is literally meaningless.
However, from a personal point of view it is Saquon Barkley has a chance to rewrite the history books.
Barkley is just 101 yards away from surpassing Eric Dickerson as the NFL’s rushing king in a single season after rushing for 167 yards last weekend.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, No. 26, runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
With another dominant performance, Barkley became the ninth player to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season – even more impressive is that he did so in 16 games.
The record would obviously come in a Week 17 game, so arguments can be made about its legitimacy.
However, it is undoubtedly on the minds of the Eagles and head coach Nick Sirianni, who have a decision to make: personal goals or what will benefit the team.
Sirianni said Tuesday he would discuss the decision with virtually everyone in the building.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, No. 26, runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
“I’ll talk to our staff, I’ll talk to the players, I’ll talk to (general manager) Howie (Roseman), I’ll talk to Mr. Lurie. I’ll talk to everyone to try. I’m sure I make the best decision for the football team,” Sirianni said 94WIP radio in Philadelphia Tuesday during his weekly interview with 94WIP radio in Philadelphia.
“What’s best for the team, and what’s best for the individuals who stand up for the good?”
In 2021, Sirianni rested most of his starters except DeVonta Smith, who went for the rookie record for receiving yards, which he set.
“Every situation is a little different. I’m not saying how that will turn out, or even if I’ve made a decision yet.”
In an added sense of irony, it would obviously be a sweet feeling for Barkley to break the record against the team that opted not to re-sign him after six seasons in the league. G-Men, who are 3-13 but lost themselves the No. 1 pick this weekend.
Over the weekend, Cam Ward broke the FBS record for career touchdown passes and then didn’t play in the second half.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, #26, scores during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Thursday, November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
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Barkley said Sunday that he will be okay with whatever the decision is.
“I came here to do something special. Breaking a record is special,” Barkley said, “but I want a banner there. I think we all do.”
Barkley has 2,005 rushing yards this season, an average of 125.3 yards per game. This season he has run for at least 100 meters in eleven games.
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