UPDATE: Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is drawing mixed reactions as he plans to rest key players, including running back Saquon Barkley, in their season finale against the divisional rival Washington Commanders on January 7, 2024. Barkley is just 87 yards away from a $250,000 bonus, but the Eagles are prioritizing player health over personal milestones.
The Eagles have already lost their chance at the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, making this decision even more controversial. Fans are left puzzled as the team aims to secure the No. 2 seed while potentially putting their playoff seeding in jeopardy. The stakes are high, especially since the Chicago Bears currently hold the tiebreaker over the Eagles after defeating them earlier this season.
Sirianni defended his choice, referencing the benefits of resting players in previous Super Bowl seasons. “If I look back, and how beneficial some of the byes that we’ve had have been, that’s part of the reason why you think through it,” he stated. He emphasized that his decisions are informed by past successes, stating, “Both times that I’ve been here that we’ve been to the Super Bowl, we’ve had that opportunity for a bye.”
As of Thursday, several key players, including Jalen Carter (hip), Nakobe Dean (hamstring), Dallas Goedert (knee), Lane Johnson (foot), and Jaelan Phillips (ankle), did not participate in practice, indicating they are unlikely to play. This has led to a split among fans, with some praising the decision while others criticize it as a missed opportunity for playoff positioning.
One fan expressed disappointment: “Wrong call with the 2nd seed still in play. Nick and Jalen haven’t won a road playoff game but they have won all their home games.” Conversely, another fan argued, “If our backups can’t beat Josh Johnson, then we don’t deserve the 2 seed anyways.”
The implications of this decision could lead to a significant impact in the playoffs, as the difference between the No. 2 and No. 3 seed could mean a guaranteed home game in the divisional round. The Eagles must navigate these tricky waters carefully as they prepare for the postseason.
As the clock ticks down to game day, all eyes will be on how Sirianni’s strategy unfolds and what it means for the Eagles’ playoff hopes. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for the outcome, making this a critical moment in the Eagles’ journey toward another potential Super Bowl run.