Former NFL coach thinks Eagles' Saquon Barkley should've 'fought' over historic decision

Few were surprised to learn earlier this week that Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley won't play against the New York Giants this Sunday even though Barkley is just 101 rushing yards shy of breaking the single-season record of 2,105 yards that Eric Dickerson set during the 1984 campaign. 

After all, the 13-3 Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed for the NFC portion of the playoffs, so it makes sense that head coach Nick Sirianni wants to have Barkley and others at their best for upcoming must-win games. 

Nevertheless, former NFL head coach Herm Edwards made it clear during a Thursday appearance on ESPN Radio that he is disappointed Barkley won't pursue history at Lincoln Financial Field.

"I think it’s a shame. It’s a historical record," Edwards said, as shared by Jimmy Hascup of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "...I’m a little caught off guard with Saquon not understanding the importance of — I get you’re in the playoffs, you don’t want to get the guy hurt. If you’re worried about getting hurt, then you’re in the wrong profession. Football players play football."

While Barkley insisted this week he felt "no disappointment" regarding Sirianni's call, the 27-year-old also suggested he would've played had he received his coach's blessing before Wednesday. Edwards said on Thursday he would've put the final decision "in the player’s hands" because breaking such a record likely would've meant plenty to Barkley years down the road. 

"...If a coach rested me, I’d have fought the coach. I play football," Edwards added during his comments. "My claim to fame is I never missed a start. I never missed a practice." 

For what it's worth, Barkley said on Wednesday he has "a bigger goal in mind" than holding individual records. As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Eagles second among the betting favorites behind the 14-2 Detroit Lions (+195) at +300 odds to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LIX. Meanwhile, Barkley has never played beyond the divisional round of a postseason tournament. 

There's still time for Barkley to try to change Sirianni's mind, but it seems Dickerson's record will remain safe for the foreseeable future.