With the 13-3 Philadelphia Eagles locked into the No. 2 seed for the NFC portion of the playoffs, head coach Nick Sirianni delivered anticipated information when he confirmed on Wednesday he’ll relaxation starters corresponding to operating again Saquon Barkley throughout this Sunday’s regular-season finale versus the 3-13 New York Giants though Barkley is simply 101 speeding yards shy of breaking the single-season report of two,105 yards on the bottom that Eric Dickerson set in the course of the 1984 marketing campaign.
After Sirianni introduced that Barkley would not play in opposition to the Giants, the ball-carrier insisted he was effective with the choice.
“There’s no disappointment,” Barkley stated, as shared by Bob Brookover of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. “On the finish of the day I’ve finished lots of nice issues. I’ll have a time…to have the ability to mirror on the season and I’ve finished lots of nice issues to date this 12 months. I’m blessed to even be able to have the chance to try this. Like I stated, it’s not in God’s plan, however what’s in God’s plan is a chance to prepare for the playoffs and get myself…and all of the starters a bit of break so we will get into the playoffs wholesome and make a run.”
Whereas that includes for the Giants from 2018 by way of final season, Barkley was a part of a single playoff victory that occurred in January 2023. On paper, the Eagles crew that may enter the upcoming postseason match is the very best Barkley has ever performed for on the highest degree.
“He’s the pinnacle coach for a motive,” Barkley stated about Sirianni. “He makes the choices, and no matter determination he needed to make, I let him know if you would like me to play, I’m going to go on the market and ensure I get it. And if we don’t, I’m OK with that too.”
Sirianni reportedly was on the new seat earlier than the beginning of the marketing campaign and earlier than the Eagles went into their Week 5 bye at 2-2. Since that point, Philadelphia has gained 11 of 12 video games thanks largely to Barkley’s efforts.
Briefly, Sirianni could not afford to threat Barkley’s well being in a meaningless contest though the 27-year-old may’ve made historical past in opposition to his former membership.
Per the StatMuse website, Barkley ended Week 17 main the NFL with 2,283 complete yards from scrimmage for the season. As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed him as an awesome betting favourite at -5000 odds to win the Offensive Participant of the 12 months Award subsequent month.
“My household in all probability needed it a bit of bit greater than me,” Barkley added concerning the single-season speeding report, “however on the finish of the day, an important factor is profitable soccer video games and profitable the playoffs. I acquired an even bigger objective in thoughts.”
For what it is price, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Eagles second among the many betting favorites behind the 14-2 Detroit Lions (+190) at +300 odds to symbolize the NFC in Tremendous Bowl LIX as of Thursday.
