Iggles Blitz

by Tommy Lawlor

Rest It Is

Posted January 1st, 2025 | Comments Off on Rest It Is

Nick Sirianni made it official on Wednesday. The Eagles are going to rest some starters and key players on Sunday. There will be no pursuit of Eric Dickerson’s record, unless one of the backup RBs has the greatest game in football history.

I am absolutely fine with this. Saquon Barkley has had an amazing season and it would be great to get him the record for rushing yards in a season. It would be even better to see him hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Barkley would likely get the record on Sunday, but he needs 101 yards and would have to play a lot of the game to get that many.

Older fans remember 2003. The Eagles started slow and then went 10-1 heading into the playoffs, with the only loss coming in overtime. They were red hot and looked like a Super Bowl team. Unfortunately Brian Westbrook got hurt in the season finale. The Eagles got to the NFC title game, but lost 14-3 and struggled without their best offensive weapon.

This team has Super Bowl potential. Rest can be good for the older players and some guys who have wear and tear. Let them get ready for the postseason. There are no guarantees the rest will mean a win, but it has worked in the past.

The Eagles are locked into the #2 seed so there is nothing to gain by winning on Sunday. Dan Campbell and Jim Harbaugh would tell you that it is important to always play to win so you’re sending the right message to your team. If that is your philosophy, go with it. Each team is different. Sirianni and the Eagles think rest is the way to go.

Barkley did get 2,000 yards and that puts him in a special place in football history. If he hadn’t reached that mark, sitting him would bother me a lot more. Barkley seems fine with the decision. Having spent his career with the Giants and mostly losing, Barkley is enjoying success.

Records are special, but chasing a championship is next level. Ask the guys on the 2017 team if they would trade that ring for any personal record.

As for Sunday, I’m excited to see what Tanner McKee can go if he gets the start. Jalen Hurts remains in the concussion protocol and Kenny Pickett has his ribs issue. There is a good chance McKee will be the guy. That could be fun. I’m not worried about Hurts yet. If he’s still in the protocol this weekend, that will start to concern me.

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I happened to flip over to SportsCenter on New Year’s Eve and caught their plays of the year. You might remember the play that they chose number one on their list.

Record or not Barkley has had an unforgettable year.

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Bryce Huff has 2.5 sacks and 4 QB hits. Reddick has 0.5 sacks and 2 QB hits. Both guys were impact players last year, but nothing close to that this season. Very weird.

*****

This is crazy impressive.

The pass defense was an absolute mess last year. They are now the best in football. Adding impact players and a good defensive coordinator turned out to be a good thing.

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