Running back Saquon Barkley is very close to breaking the NFL single-season rushing record, a 40-year-old mark that has put his head coach Nick Sirianni in a dilemma, because the Philadelphia Eagles have nothing to play for in Week 18 when they host the New York Giants and under normal circumstances, most of the stars would rest with the playoffs assured.
The record for most rushing yards in a season was set by Eric Dickerson with 2,105 yards in 1984, and Barkley needs only 101 to break it and make history. However, the Eagles have already secured second place in the NFC and will host either the Green Bay Packers or Washington Commanders in the Wild Card round. This puts Sirianni in a dilemma given the insignificance of facing the Giants and the risk of injury to his star running back. The offense is not to be bragged about, with quarterback Jalen Hurts still in concussion protocol, although he is likely to be available for the decisive moment with one more game of rest.
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“I’ll always do what’s best for the team and the individuals that are looking for it. I’m still thinking about this a little bit too… There’s a lot of things to consider, what’s best for the team and also what’s best for the individuals that are looking for the record,” Sirianni told Philadelphia’s 94WIP radio in his weekly interview.
The Eagles’ priority is the Super Bowl
Everyone in the Philadelphia Eagles organization has a priority to win the Super Bowl. They have a season in which they aspire to get there, with the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings as their main obstacles in the NFC, but with the best defense in the NFL and a dynamic offense they can dream of success. Sirianni has plans to consult with players, coaching staff, even general manager Howie Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie, to make the best decision.
“I’ll talk to our staff, I’ll talk to the players, I’ll talk to Howie (Roseman), I’ll talk to Mr. Lurie. I’ll talk to everybody to try to make sure I’m making the best decision for the team,” Sirianni added.
For his part, Saquon Barkley takes it easy, he said that if it is in God’s plan, so be it, but he also prefers to achieve greater success with Philadelphia.
“I’m not trying too hard to get it. I’m not afraid of it. I’d love to, but at the end of the day, too, we have bigger things that we’re focusing on, the rest, I’m fine with that too, because I didn’t come here and sign here just to run for 2,000 or break a record. I want to do something special, I mean, something special with the team,” Barkley said.
