The Ultimate Goal: Winning the Super Bowl
When Nick Sirianni made the tough call to bench Saquon Barkley for the upcoming game against the Giants, he sent a clear message: nothing matters more than winning the Super Bowl this season. Not even a single-season rushing record or an MVP award can compare to the ultimate prize.
Championships Define Greatness
In the world of sports, championships are the ultimate measure of success. When debating an athlete or team’s greatness, the conversation always boils down to one question: did they win a title? A championship victory silences all doubts, while a lack of one leaves a lingering “what if.”
A Record Within Reach
Saquon Barkley was just 101 yards shy of breaking the single-season rushing record. Given his impressive performance this year, with 11 games of over 100 yards rushing, it’s likely he would have achieved the feat against the struggling Giants. The record, and likely the MVP award, would have been his for the taking. However, it would have required the entire team to play, including the offensive linemen and key receivers like AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith.
Risk vs. Reward
The Eagles made the smart decision to prioritize the playoffs over individual accolades. But this means the stakes are now higher than ever. Anything short of a Super Bowl victory will be seen as a catastrophic failure, with no moral victories or excuses to fall back on.
MVP Snub?
It’s hard to fathom how Saquon Barkley wouldn’t win the MVP award this year. His eight-week stretch of dominance was unprecedented, making him the most unstoppable player in the league. If voters deny him the award due to his absence in the final game, it would be a grave injustice.
The Bottom Line
The Eagles’ decision to prioritize the playoffs over individual records sets the stage for a thrilling postseason. With the Super Bowl or bust mentality, the team must deliver on its promise. Anything less would be unacceptable.
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