Saquon Barkley - sit him or start him?

[Oil Can Dan]

So Saquon is 101 yards away from setting a new single season NFL rushing record; a record that has stood for 40 years. The Eagles face the New York Football Giants in week 18, but it's a game that cannot help or hurt the Eagles playoff seeding as they are locked in to the #2 slot. The debate is whether or not the Eagles and Saquon should go for the record or rest him (and others) so that they can prepare for their Wild Card playoff game.

Arguments for starting:

1. This is a big and substantial record. It has stood for 40 years and while there is an extra game for Saquon it's still a big deal.
2. It would mean a lot for Saquon, the OLine and the team. They cleary appreciated him reaching 2k yards and based on what I've heard it's clear it's a big deal to them.
3. It would likely impact the MVP discussion. Saquon seems to be behind Josh Allen and/or Lamar Jackson in the MVP discussion. Were Saquon to set a new single season rushing record I have to think some voters may be more inclined to vote for him.
4. Winning the Super Bowl is very hard and while the Eagles certainly have a chance there's no guarantee they even get out of the first round. Should Barkley get this record they'd at least have that.

Arguments for sitting:

1. Team first and bigger fish to fry. As Saquon said, he didn't come to Philly to set records and he wants to help raise a banner. He's got 345 carries this season and could use the rest!
2. Where do you draw the line on whos starting and who isn't? Are you starting all of the starting OL or are your resting some of them? What about the WRs? AJ Brown wants to rest so does he or do you need his blocking and the threat of his receiving in order for Saquon to break the record? Picking and choosing seems like a real Pandoras Box.
3. What about the downside of not getting it? If I'm the DC of the Giants aren't you putting 11 in the box to stop this from happening on your watch, especially given the history? What other priority do you have in this game that you sorta don't want to win anyway? It would be pretty embarrassing for Philly to go for it and not be able to get it.

Knowing the Eagles I'm pretty sure they're resting everyone and that's what I'd do, but I can see the other side of it.

What would you do if it were your call?

 

[EddieYost]

Sit. If he gets hurt they will have to live with “what ifs” forever.

 

[Kliq]

Start--the game is about glory.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

There is a much bigger goal in sight. Sit him.

The team seems to agree because his ass got pulled as soon as he hit 2,000 yards last week.

 

[Mugsy’s Walk-Off Bunt]

Start him b/c they maybe SHOULD sit him, but they likely WILL start him, in which case he'll run all over the Giants as one last big FU to the front office and coaching staff that let him go.

 

[luckysox]

Start him start him start him. The league is about glory and records and amazing feats - his story this year has been fantastic and sticking it to the NY football Giants would be an excellent part of the story. And let them stack the box - they can't defend shit. Saquon and movin' on.

 

[cshea]

I'd sit him.

101 yards is a little too far away. If it was 30/40 then OK, try 5-10 hand offs and hope for the best. But 101 is a full games work and it's no guarantee. He's had 5 games this year with less than 100 rushing yards. The last thing the Eagles would want is to get into some kind of grind where he's getting 3 YPC and it takes 30+ rushing attempts to get there, if at all.

 

[AB in DC]

It's lame to break a record just because of a 17th game anyway. Sit.

 

[Sille Skrub]

Start 'em. It's history and as someone mentioned, it would be fun to stick it to the NYG.

After that, play it by ear. If it is a slog and 101 seems out of reach, pull the plug.

If he's making good progress towards it after the first quarter or so, let him cook.

 

[glennhoffmania]

It's lame to break a record just because of a 17th game anyway. Sit.

Yup. These records are stupid now. Like Bowers breaking Ditka's record in two extra games. Three extra games is even dumber.

 

[Dogman]

Start 'em. It's history and as someone mentioned, it would be fun to stick to the NYG.

After that, play it by ear. If it is a slog and 101 seems out of reach, pull the plug.

If he's making good progress towards it after the first quarter or so, let him cook.

I think this is where I fall on this. I'd like to see him break the record and doing so against the Giants will be outstanding.

It's been enjoyable watching him this year and as a football fan, this is a reason we for that enjoyment.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Start him.

He gets the record, Giants fans are sad. Win.

He gets hurt, Eagles fans are sad. Win.

(I really like him and hope he gets it and stays healthy and drives Giants fans crazy in the process)

 

[E5 Yaz]

Sit him. The extra game nullifies the "record" for me

Plus, I want the Giants to win for Patriots draft reasons

 

[ElUno20]

Start him.

yes there's an extra game now but there will be more in the future. So start him, have him smash the record.

 

[ElUno20]

Sit him. The extra game nullifies the "record" for me

But what about when they get to 19 then 20? Do records no longer matter?

 

[E5 Yaz]

But what about when they get to 19 then 20? Do records no longer matter?

MLB at one point separated counting-stat records into 154-game and 162-game categories. I don't know if they do anymore, probably not, but I think it matters. Saquon can have the record for a 17-game season, someone else will get it for an 18-game season, and so on
It's comparing eras, which is always a fool's errand

 

[cornwalls@6]

Sit. Lombardi’s supersede any individual records.

 

[skip wright]

Sit. If he gets hurt they will have to live with “what ifs” forever.

he could get hurt on the first carry of the eagles first playoff game.i think the team should go for it.if they do go for it they could easily break the record before halftime and all be taken out of the game before halftime.

 

[E5 Yaz]

Barkley, for his part, has the big picture in mind

"Whatever his decision is, I'm all for it," Barkley said. "If his mindset is, we'll go out there and try it, I'll go out there and try it. If his mindset is, let's rest and get ready for this run, I'm all for that, too ... I came here to do something special. Breaking a record is special, but I want a banner up there. I think we all do."

 

[EddieYost]

he could get hurt on the first carry of the eagles first playoff game.i think the team should go for it.if they do go for it they could easily break the record before halftime and all be taken out of the game before halftime.

Right, but in that scenario he’s trying to help the team win a championship.

 

[Oil Can Dan]

OJ Simpson rushed for 2,003 yards in a 14 game season yet Eric Dickerson is considered the single season rushing champ even though he did it 2.105 in 16 games. I think the number of game thing fades away over time.

 

[E5 Yaz]

12 game season: Jim Brown ... 1,527 (1958)
14 game season: O.J. Simpson ... 2,003 (1978)
16 game season: Eric Dickerson ... 2,105 (1984)

Using their per game averages, just for giggles

Brown would have 2,163 yards in a 17 game season
Simpson would have 2,432 yards in a 17 game season
Dickerson would have 2,237 yards in a 17 game season

 

[Rudy's Curve]

The Giants can also potentially gain the #1 pick with a loss. I'm not sure the Eagles should want to win this game.

 

[mikeford]

He's going to want to shove it up his old teams ass and break the record in their face.

You gotta let him do it.

 

[BigJimEd]

He gets the record, Giants fans are sad. Win.

He gets hurt, Eagles fans are sad. Win.

He gets hurt while breaking the record. Giants and Eagles fans both sad. Win, Win.*


*I, too, actually hope stays healthy.

 

[glennhoffmania]

Vegas doesn't seem to think the Eagles are playing their starters. They're only favored by a FG.

 

[Oil Can Dan]

I was Team Sit until I learned Tiki Barber is working the game for CBS. Now I hope he runs it down their throat.

 

[Myt1]

So Saquon is 101 yards away from setting a new single season NFL rushing record; a record that has stood for 40 years. The Eagles face the New York Football Giants in week 18, but it's a game that cannot help or hurt the Eagles playoff seeding as they are locked in to the #2 slot. The debate is whether or not the Eagles and Saquon should go for the record or rest him (and others) so that they can prepare for their Wild Card playoff game.

Arguments for starting:

1. This is a big and substantial record. It has stood for 40 years and while there is an extra game for Saquon it's still a big deal.
2. It would mean a lot for Saquon, the OLine and the team. They cleary appreciated him reaching 2k yards and based on what I've heard it's clear it's a big deal to them.
3. It would likely impact the MVP discussion. Saquon seems to be behind Josh Allen and/or Lamar Jackson in the MVP discussion. Were Saquon to set a new single season rushing record I have to think some voters may be more inclined to vote for him.
4. Winning the Super Bowl is very hard and while the Eagles certainly have a chance there's no guarantee they even get out of the first round. Should Barkley get this record they'd at least have that.

Arguments for sitting:

1. Team first and bigger fish to fry. As Saquon said, he didn't come to Philly to set records and he wants to help raise a banner. He's got 345 carries this season and could use the rest!
2. Where do you draw the line on whos starting and who isn't? Are you starting all of the starting OL or are your resting some of them? What about the WRs? AJ Brown wants to rest so does he or do you need his blocking and the threat of his receiving in order for Saquon to break the record? Picking and choosing seems like a real Pandoras Box.
3. What about the downside of not getting it? If I'm the DC of the Giants aren't you putting 11 in the box to stop this from happening on your watch, especially given the history? What other priority do you have in this game that you sorta don't want to win anyway? It would be pretty embarrassing for Philly to go for it and not be able to get it.

Knowing the Eagles I'm pretty sure they're resting everyone and that's what I'd do, but I can see the other side of it.

What would you do if it were your call?

I’d probably sit him given the regular season game number difference.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

I think it depends a bit on how well he is doing physically. Is he banged up right now or seriously nursing something? If so, Isit him. But if its just a matter of getting some rest and minimizing the chance of injury, start him. You can't rest all your starters or other important players in these games anyway and the odds of any given player getting hurt are pretty tiny.

 

[ElUno20]

MLB at one point separated counting-stat records into 154-game and 162-game categories. I don't know if they do anymore, probably not, but I think it matters. Saquon can have the record for a 17-game season, someone else will get it for an 18-game season, and so on
It's comparing eras, which is always a fool's errand

True.

My view is that every player after him will have the same 40 years to catch his record (if he sets it) with the added game. Devaluing it, to me, and sitting is just giving the next group going after it a leg up.

 

[dirtynine]

Cowboys just released Zeke. Sign him as insurance and let Saquon cook!

 

[SemperFidelisSox]

Start him, give him a lot of carries early to see if he can rip off a big run. Let the situation dictate what to do from there.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

Cowboys just released Zeke. Sign him as insurance and let Saquon cook!

They gonna sign Brian Hoyer to insure Hurts, too? Although I guess the fork sticking out of Zeke’s back could hit a few defenders, who knows.

 

[8slim]

I’m usually unreservedly Team Start in these situations. But 101 yards is a lot.

If Philly had a bye next week I’d say start him. I think that layoff can cause issues with a team. But since they’re playing… I dejectedly say sit him. I could be talked out of that though.

 

[Curtis Pride]

I say start him . If he gets 70-80 yards in the first half, then keep playing him for the record. If not, sit him in the second half.

 

[McBride11]

I voted ‘play him’ before realizing it is 101 yards.
Now I’m team sit.
101 is a lot and Saquon probably needs some rest, esp since Phl is not currently getting the bye.
Plus, people will invariably discount the record since it is 17 games vs 16.

Side note, I forgot AP was just 8 yards shy of tieing the record. Yowza.

 

[Beomoose]

100% sit, he's not getting 101 without a high risk effort, unless the Giants mail it in.

 

[BaseballJones]

100% sit, he's not getting 101 without a high risk effort, unless the Giants mail it in.

Maybe he breaks a big run or two early, and it becomes easy pickings. But 100% if it looks like a grind, don't push it.

 

[Oil Can Dan]

Maybe he breaks a big run or two early, and it becomes easy pickings. But 100% if it looks like a grind, don't push it.

First of all, I really appreciate this discussion. I’m crazy in the head as it is, but the entire concept of an Eagle potentially setting this record just blows me away. I can’t even believe this is a thing.

The more time I spent thinking about it the more time I land on the dreadful scenario of them try to get it, but can’t. And in trying he and other players take a beating and then they’re worse off vs GB or Was. Yeah I know it’s the Giants this week but I’m a Red Sox fan so I’m wired to prepare for the worst even still after the four rings.

Sit, rest, get ready for the playoffs. The real season starts after this game.

 

[Sandwich Pick]

Sit. He's both proven his value and twisted the knife whether he gets the record or not.

 

[Sille Skrub]

First of all, I really appreciate this discussion. I’m crazy in the head as it is

Same.

Thanks for starting this thread. It’s a fascinating discussion and there are great arguments on both sides.

 

[Sille Skrub]

And we are absolutely deadlocked at 37-37 in the voting!

 

[NortheasternPJ]

And we are absolutely deadlocked at 37-37 in the voting!

Not anymore! Start him.

 

[E5 Yaz]

... esp since Phl is not currently getting the bye.

Point of order, but the Eagles are locked into the No. 2 spot. The bye goes to the winner of the Lions-Vikings game

 

[changer591]

Start him. There is always going to be 17 games for the foreseeable future, if not more. I believe the number of games is not relevant.
And if he sits, that sets precedence (good or bad, who knows) that any great player on a team with nothing to play for in the final game loses a chance to set a record in the future.
If it looks to be a grind or the weather is shit or stuff like that then I would pull him.

 

[Justthetippett]

Start. Players play. Don't do anything unnecessarily stupid like run him 25-30 times but he can get ten carries and 20 snaps and will be fine.

 

[Sandwich Pick]

Also, has Jalen Hurts cleared protocol yet? That may be a huge factor in this.

 

[Average Reds]

The idea that he can get 31 carries last Sunday in a game that was under control early and everyone is fine with it, but must be treated as if he’s a piece of fine China in week 17, is ridiculous.

Play him. Re-evaluate at halftime based on where he is.

 

[McBride11]

Point of order, but the Eagles are locked into the No. 2 spot. The bye goes to the winner of the Lions-Vikings game

oops. Thanks. I thought a Vikes win got Phl the bye. Since Phl is 2 regardless, even more reason to rest Saquon

 

[E5 Yaz]

The idea that he can get 31 carries last Sunday in a game that was under control early and everyone is fine with it, but must be treated as if he’s a piece of fine China in week 17, is ridiculous.

I think it's more a matter of giving players a "bye" to rest before the playoffs. With a team like the Eagles, that depends so much on Barkley, why not give his legs a chance to rest and then go full-tilt in the postseason?