Sunday NFL Countdown analyst Tedy Bruschi dug back into NFL history this week to explain why he thinks the Philadelphia Eagles made a big mistake by sitting Saquon Barkley against the New York Giants.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni played it safe in the season finale, announcing he would sit the star running back despite Barkley being only 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards. It’s the safe strategy; the Eagles are chasing a Super Bowl championship, and if Barkley were to get injured against the Giants, Sirianni would be roasted for playing the star in a game that had no playoff implications.
But not everyone likes that move. Bruschi said on Sunday morning’s Countdown that the decision upsets him.
“I just think it would be a lock, you’re going up against a New York Giants team that isn’t good against the run, last time you played them it was 10 yards a pop,” Bruschi said. “And I just think that you’re … turning down history.”
Bruschi pointed out it reminded him of a situation in the 2009 season, when the Indianapolis Colts (and his current Countdown teammate Jeff Saturday) started 14-0.
“I just remember Jeff Saturday’s 2009 Indianapolis Colts … the biggest team record is going undefeated and winning them all. … I was watching those ’09 Colts as if, ‘This team can finish another 16-0 season.’ It was against the Jets in ’09 when they had the opportunity to beat them, they pulled all their starters and lost the last two games against the Jets and the Bills, and still they didn’t do anything. They lost in the Super Bowl.
“All I’m saying is, the Philadelphia Eagles can wind up with nothing. And that sort of upsets me. Saquon cannot get the record, and say they lose in an NFC Championship game, I hoped they would go for this record.”
Tedy Bruschi IS NOT on board with Saquon Barkley not playing.
“All I’m saying is, the Philadelphia Eagles can end up with nothing. And that sorta upsets me. Saquon can not get the record and say they lose in an NFC Championship Championship Game.” pic.twitter.com/TVULTSRrom
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 5, 2025
Eagles star and team captain Brandon Graham, who is out for the season with an injury, appeared as a special guest on Sunday’s Countdown. Bruschi turned to him.
“I just hoped you guys would give Saquon that chance and get that record,” Bruschi said.
“Well you know, the best part is, we’ve got a three-year deal with Saquon, so he got a chance to come on back next year, too. …I know the O line wanted it,” Graham said.
[ESPN]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.