The Philadelphia Eagles suffered the narrowest of losses against the Atlanta Falcons yesterday, going 21-22 as they failed to keep their win streak going. Coming into the 4th quarter, the Eagles were down 10-15, but managed to steal the lead. The touchdown plus two-point conversion 8 minutes into the last quarter gave the Eagles a slim 18-15 lead. A lead, but not enough to breathe easy on.

The tragedy that came 5 minutes later was so intense Peyton Manning had to stand up and take it in. Nobody could have expected experienced running back Saquon Barkley to fumble as he did last night. And then came the baffling decision to opt for a field goal right afterwards. There were multiple parties at fault for the Eagles’ loss, not to take away from Kirk Cousins‘ glorious performance that night.

What went wrong with the play?

With less than 2 minutes of play left, the Eagles had a 3 point lead. A touchdown at that point would have all but sealed their victory, even if they didn’t convert it. So you can imagine the impact of that accursed fumble on everyone’s mindset. Here’s the thing though, Saquon Barkley’s fumble came during the 3rd down, with a mere 3 yards left.

The Eagles still had another down to make it good and make those 3 yards to have another go at a touchdown. So to opt for a field goal after, and only secure a 6 point lead, seems too risky for a “safe” play. So says Domonique Foxworth, blaming head coach Nick Sirianni. “It seems like Nick Sirianni didn’t have complete control in that situation. And he wanted us to know that, which I also thought was an ugly decision,” he said post game.

Domonique Foxworth was specifically of the opinion that a throw shouldn’t have been attempted on the 3rd down, and that the Philadelphia Eagles should have tried to run it down and then go for a throw on the 4th down. Regardless, the general confusion on the field was unforgivable. In the last minute and a half or so following the Eagles’ field goal, the Atlanta Falcons pushed an incredible 70 yards in 6 plays, bringing the score to 22-21 after they converted. The Eagles might find themselves looking back with regret at this one play later in the season.

Is Saquon Barkley overrated?

In contrast to Foxworth’s opinion, Dan Graziano defended the play, saying, “I think it was a fine play call. The running back has to catch.” He then went on to bring up Saquon Barkley‘s “monster” contract, referring to his $37.75 million deal, signed this year. It’s been pointed out that, after today, this makes 16 fumbles since 2021 for the running back, despite his otherwise very impressive stats. Barkley himself acknowledges the defeat was his fault.

But then you can’t ignore his performance in the Week 1 game vs. the Green Bay Packers. Barkley became the first Eagles debutant to score 3 touchdowns that day and was integral to their victory. Barkley even got the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance. He had a monster 2022 with the New York Giants, finishing with the most rushing yard in the NFC, 1312. 2023 was less impressive for him, but he still performed admirably enough for the Eagles to leap on him. He’ll definitely have a major role to play in the Eagles’ campaign this year, but mistakes like the recent one will cost the team dearly.

Here’s hoping he doesn’t give Peyton Manning any more frights.