Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley faces a rare dilemma as the team rests starters in Week 18 to prioritize playoff readiness. The decision means Barkley, who is just 100 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, won’t get the chance to etch his name in football history—at least not this season.
While Barkley has rushed for a staggering 2,005 yards this season, becoming one of only nine players in NFL history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark, his competitive fire has had to take a backseat to the team’s broader goals. Initially indifferent to chasing the record, Barkley admitted he had a change of heart after reflecting overnight. “When I slept on it, I thought, ‘This is an opportunity to implant my name in football history. I may never get another chance like this.'” Despite his personal drive, Barkley expressed trust in head coach Nick Sirianni’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of preserving his health for the playoffs.
Family Feelings Run Deep
For Barkley’s family, the decision to sit out carried emotional weight. His father took the news hardest, with Barkley noting that his dad wanted their name attached to the prestigious record, per TheSpun. “I told my family, and they probably wanted it more than I did,” Barkley shared, reflecting on the pride such a feat would bring.
Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP reported that Barkley’s family saw the record as a legacy moment. However, Barkley’s focus remains firmly on winning games in the postseason. “At the end of the day, the most important thing is winning football games and winning in the playoffs,” Barkley explained.
The decision to rest him might sting for fans eager to see history made, but Barkley and the Eagles are looking at the bigger picture. A healthier Barkley could become the key to a deep playoff run, giving the team a better shot at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. For now, Barkley’s mindset is clear: individual records are secondary to the ultimate team goal of a championship.
