Eagles bench starters in final game against Giants before playoffs

In the 2024 NFL season, Saquon Barkley, the running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, concluded the season with an impressive total of 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He had joined the Eagles after a successful but tumultuous career with the New York Giants. Despite his exceptional individual performance, he was unable to surpass Eric Dickerson's longstanding rushing record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. The Eagles secured the NFC East title with a strong overall team performance throughout the season, showcasing their capabilities as contenders in the playoffs. Barkley expressed a mixed sense of accomplishment and disappointment, emphasizing that achieving the record against his former team would have added a special flavor to his achievement. He acknowledged the contributions of the Giants to his development as a player, indicating a sense of respect for his past without dwelling on the rivalry. The Eagles had opted to rest most of their starters for the final game against the New York Giants, where they anticipated winning without exerting all their resources, reflecting their confidence and strategy heading into the postseason. As the NFL evolves, discussions about the value of running backs are emerging, particularly as elite players like Barkley and Derrick Henry continue to demonstrate the importance of dynamic running games, albeit in offenses that are now more pass-heavy. The changing defensive strategies in the league, including more frequent nickel formations and the increasing focus on light boxes, has created unique opportunities for feature backs. This might reshape the future of how teams approach the function and value of running backs, especially as some organizations reconsider their investment strategies in terms of drafting and acquiring running backs. Given these factors, Barkley's strong season might signal a potential resurgence in the appreciation for the running back position within the league.