Saquon Barkley sat idle during Week 18, ending his remarkable regular season just 101 yards short of the single-season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson. The decision by the Philadelphia Eagles to rest the star running back, amid playoff preparations, has drawn mixed reactions from both former players and fans.
After finishing the season with 2,005 rushing yards—making him the ninth player in NFL history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark—Barkley’s pursuit for the record fell short when head coach Nick Sirianni announced on Wednesday the team would rest key players for the matchup against the New York Giants. This ruling meant Barkley, who had become one of the league's standout performers this year, would not have the opportunity to chase the legendary running record of 2,105 yards set by Dickerson back in 1984.
Supporters of Barkley’s desires felt disappointment as he bids farewell to what could have been. Former NFL running backs Brian Westbrook and Todd Gurley II were particularly vocal, expressing their discontent with the Eagles' decision. Gurley stated his belief on ESPN, emphasizing, "I think it's something...to be able to get it done." Meanwhile, Tedy Bruschi, commenting on the same network, remembered his own experiences, noting, "I just disagree so much because I think it was a lock," referring to Barkley's potential success against the struggling Giants, whom he previously averaged ten yards per carry against.
Despite missing this opportunity, Barkley took the news without discontent. He respected Sirianni's decision and his approach to player safety, telling reporters, "At the end of the day, I don't care for putting the team at risk...He makes those decisions, and whatever decision he wanted to make, I let him know if you let me play, I'm going to go out there and make sure I get it." His mature attitude only endeared him more to Eagles fans, who celebrated both his leadership and performance throughout the season.
Barkley showcased phenomenal statistics with 2,005 rushing yards, 278 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns by the end of the regular season. His dynamic displays on the field included remarkable games, such as the 162 yards he amassed against the Dallas Cowboys, which helped clinch the NFC East title for Philadelphia. He did not miss the chance to praise his offensive line, wearing a custom T-shirt, dubbed "How 'bout them boys up front," at Lincoln Financial Field after the notable performance. "You can't be great without the greatness of others," Barkley remarked after the Cowboys game, demonstrating his team-oriented mindset.
With the decision to rest Barkley before the playoffs, the Eagles aimed to prioritize team health over individual accolades. Sirianni explained the delicate balance he tried to maintain when deciding to rest his starters. "A lot plays over it. Obviously, it's a very special record that's been standing for very long,” he said. His objective was to do what was best for the team, ensuring every player is ready for the ensuing playoff push.
On the contrary, Dickerson himself weighed in on the speculation, previously stating, "I don’t think he’ll break it. Do I want him to break it? Absolutely not." This reveals not just competitive spirit but also the historical weight carried with such records, leading to contention over the significance of achieving them under different circumstances.
The Eagles’ decision is layered, with focus on strategy rather than shattering historical records. With Barkley sitting out Week 18, the record remains untouched for another season, yet admiration for his season remains stamped firmly among his fans and teammates. The season concludes with the Eagles aiming for the Super Bowl, all with the knowledge they have not only their star running back but someone who embraced the challenges of team goals above personal glory.
Despite not reaching the rushing record, Barkley’s accomplishments this season spotlight his talent and dedication. Philadelphia Eagles fans are hopeful for what the future holds, knowing they have such an exceptional player leading their backfield. Going forward, Barkley’s legacy is assured, transcending just rushing yards, but exemplifying the heart of teamwork.