Barkley's pursuit of Dickerson's NFL season rushing record adds juice in meaningless Eagles' finale

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — At some point this week, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni will decide if he's going for it or punting — will Saquon Barkley get his shot at breaking Eric Dickerson's NFL season rushing record, or will Philadelphia's star running back sit out a meaningless finale and protect his health for a playoff run?

The NFC East champion Eagles (13-3) likely will rest the bulk of their starters — notably quarterback Jalen Hurts, who sat out Sunday's rout of Dallas with the lingering effects of a concussion — to get them rested and healthy ahead of what the franchise expects will be a meaningful run to the Super Bowl.

The NFL rushing leader, Barkley could use a breather, too — even if he's just 101 yards shy of breaking Dickerson's season record of 2,105 yards set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams.

Barkley could knock out his yards in one half against the lowly Giants, and the delightful twist of being able to set the mark against the team that let him go in free agency would only add to the significance of his achievement.

But no record is worth the chance that Barkley could get hurt, a risk only heightened if he plays behind a second-team offensive line.

Barkley towed the line of personal gain and professionalism after he ran for 167 yards against the Cowboys. He wants the record if it's there for the taking. He won't chase it at all costs with a Super Bowl run at stake.

“I’ll do what I think is necessary and best for the team to put ourselves in that position, but I also am very sensitive to records and all the things there,” Sirianni said. “So, we’ll see how it goes. I don’t know yet. We’ll always do what’s best for these guys, and that could mean playing them, that could mean resting them. It could be either one. I’ve got to think about that.”

Whether Barkley plays or not, the Eagles' immediate future is set. The Eagles — who also secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC — will host the Giants on Sunday. They also will host a wild-card playoff game on Jan. 11, 12 or 13 against either the Washington Commanders or Green Bay Packers.

If Washington loses Sunday to Dallas and Green Bay beats Chicago, the Commanders are headed to Lincoln Financial Field.

If the Commanders win and Green Bay loses, the Packers are the No. 7 seed that travels to Philly.

“I didn’t come here and sign here just to rush for 2,000 or break a record,” Barkley said. "I want to do something special, meaning special with the team.”

He just might have to sit out a game for the Eagles to raise a championship banner.

Yes, Barkley is the weekly obvious answer here. But let's go with the defense that smothered the Cowboys and held them to just seven points. C.J. Gardner-Johnson redeemed himself a week after a senseless ejection against Washington with two interceptions, including a 69-yard return for a touchdown on Dallas' opening drive.

Health. The Eagles can't win anything if Hurts, and even banged-up backup QB Kenny Pickett, are still hurt headed into the postseason. Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown were injured last season in a mostly meaningless finale against the Giants and were ineffective a week later in a wild-card loss at Tampa Bay.

Pat Driscoll. You won't find this Eagles fan on the stat sheet, but Driscoll made the catch — and return — of the game. When Brown chucked the football from his touchdown catch into the stands, the Eagles receiver didn't realize it was the first TD pass ever thrown by third-string QB Tanner McKee. So the race was on to retrieve the ball from the stands. Driscoll caught Brown's heave in section 110 and — after a chain gang relay from fans to Eagles personnel — the ball was returned to McKee.

Driscoll was hailed as a football hero in Philly. Brown autographed his game-worn jersey and gave it to Driscoll as a thank-you. At least one Philadelphia area collectibles store offered to frame Driscoll's jersey for free in appreciation for showing “the sports world how awesome Philly fans are.”

Nothing. The Eagles played a near-perfect game on their way to winning for the 11th time in 12 games and have the look of a team that can win the Super Bowl. The Eagles have 7-1 odds to win the Super Bowl, per BetMGM Sportsbook.

Beyond Hurts and Pickett, the Eagles head into the finale relatively healthy, and an extra week off should only help the starters.

11 — The Eagles have won 11 NFC East championships since Jeffrey Lurie bought the team ahead of the 1994 season. The Eagles have 10 of those titles since 2002. Only New England (16), Green Bay (12) and Kansas City (12) have won more division titles. Sirianni joined Doug Pederson (2017, 2019) and Andy Reid (2001-02) as the only Eagles coaches to win multiple division championships within their first four years.

It's a glorified preseason game against the Giants before the real fun begins a week later with a home playoff game.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (16) calls a play before taking the snap against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) gestures toward the stands after realizing the football he launched onto the stands is quarterback Tanner McKee's first career touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) launches the football onto the stands after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Tanner McKee, not visible, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. Looking on are wide receiver Jahan Dotson (83) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6). (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr., left, punches the ball out of the hands of Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. The Eagles recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) is congratulated by offensive tackle Jordan Mailata and teammates after running for a long gain to put him at over 2,000 yards for the season during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr. (2) gifts the football to Los Angeles Angels baseball outfielder Mike Trout after recovering a fumble by Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee (16) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver DeVonta Smith during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) avoids a tackle by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. while scoring on a touchdown catch during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata reacts on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, right, is congratulated by offensive tackle Jordan Mailata after Barkley rushed for a long run to put him over 2,000 yards for the season during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

FRIBOURG, Switzerland (AP) — Canada beat Slovenia 3-1 to make it five wins from five games at the ice hockey world championship on Friday.

Emmitt Finnie led with a goal and an assist and Denton Mateychuk and Dylan Cozens also scored. Jet Greaves stopped 13 shots as Canada outshot Slovenia 32-14.

Mateychuk, playing in his first worlds, skated to the top of the left circle before shooting past Slovenia goaltender Zan Us at 11:07 in the opening period.

Cozens added the second from the slot with 6:46 remaining in the middle period for his third goal in Switzerland. Sidney Crosby bagged his sixth assist at the tournament.

Finnie made it 3-0 by deflecting in a shot by Morgan Rielly from the blue line in the final period.

Rozle Bohinc scored a consolation goal for Slovenia with 1:05 left.

Canada tops Group B in Fribourg with Slovakia trailing by three points. The teams meet on Sunday.

Canada has won four games in regulation and one in overtime.

In a Group A in Zurich, Germany downed Hungary 6-2 for its first victory at the worlds after four defeats. Leon Gawanke sparked the Germans with a hat trick.

Later Friday, Finland played Britain in Zurich and Sweden faced Italy in Fribourg.

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Canada's Sidney Crosby, left, vies for the puck against Slovenia's Miha Bericic, right, during a preliminary round game between Canada and Slovenia at the men's ice hockey world championship in Fribourg, Switzerland, Friday May 22, 2026. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)

Canada's Emmitt Finnie, left, clashes against Slovenia's goaltender Zan Us, right, during a preliminary round game between Canada and Slovenia at the men's ice hockey world championship in Fribourg, Switzerland, Friday May 22, 2026. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)

Canada's Dylan Cozens, second right, celebrates his goal with his teammates Canada's Canada's Macklin Celebrini, left, Sidney Crosby, left, and Canada's Denton Mateychuk, right, centre, after scoring during a preliminary round game between Canada and Slovenia at the men's ice hockey world championship in Fribourg, Switzerland, Friday May 22, 2026. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)

Slovenia's goaltender Zan Us, left, concedes his second goal past Slovenia's Blaz Gregorc, right, and Canada's Sidney Crosby, center, during a preliminary round game between Canada and Slovenia at the men's ice hockey world championship in Fribourg, Switzerland, Friday May 22, 2026. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)

Canada's Emmitt Finnie, right, clashes against Slovenia's goaltender Zan Us during a preliminary round game between Canada and Slovenia at the men's ice hockey world championship in Fribourg, Switzerland, Friday May 22, 2026. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)