The Eagles running back is within touching distance.
Saquon Barkley currently sits on 2,005 rushing yards for the year – only 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season record.
Barkley has been in scintillating form this season, tearing down defenses and carrying the Philadelphia Eagles to the NFC East title with a game to spare – while securing the number two seed in the process.
However, this is where things will get tricky for Nick Sirianni. His running back could obliterate a record that has stood since 1984 and one that many thought may never be broken.
But, with home ties secured and a miniscule chance of achieving the number one seed in the NFC – should Sirianni rest his offensive line, including Barkley, in order to ensure his stars are in the best position possible to make a Super Bowl run?
Let us not forget, this is not just a record that would celebrate the former New York Giant’s greatness. It would also demonstrate how dominant this offensive line has been all year.
Week after week, snap after snap, Kellen Moore’s offense have put their bodies through the brutality of blocking pass-rushers and linebackers to make space for Saquon’s explosive movement that has made the Eagles so effective in the run game.
They deserve this record.
No upside for Sirianni
The problem for the head coach? He will not be remembered for his running back’s performing heroics. He will be remembered for winning the Super Bowl.
With the NFC being littered with dangerous opponents, Philadelphia cannot afford to not have their arsenal fully equipped for the playoffs.
In recent weeks, we have already seen Brandon Graham ruled out for the rest of the season with a bicep tear. Even Jalen Hurts had to sit out Sunday’s victory over the Dallas Cowboys with a concussion.
It will only take one or two overly-aggressive tackles from the New York Giants defense on the final game of the regular season to derail what Sirianni and Howie Roseman have worked tirelessly to build.
As a selfish fan, I want these players wrapped up in the softest cotton wool on the market.
But with a phenomenal record being only 101 yard away, what will the head coach decide to do?
