“If my grandmother had wheels, she’d be a bike…” That tongue-in-cheek pun might be the headline for this chapter of Saquon Barkley‘s career in Philly with the ongoing record saga. Woulda, coulda, shoulda,’ as they say, is not football speak. But this isn’t your usual debate. This is about records, rivalries, and the kind of legacy that’s written in bold, underlined, and circled. Ever the team-first guy, Barkley passed on a chance to chase Eric Dickerson’s rushing record. Now, the NFL world is split in two, not one side agreeing with the other. Guess now’s the perfect time for you to pick a side as well. Just like Michael Irvin has boldly and savagely picked.

So, the first side… Or as we call it the “go for it” camp. These folks think Barkley leaving just 101 yards on the field was like spiking the ball on third-and-goal.

It’s one of those sagas where there’s no right or wrong. Maybe that’s why Irvin was so carefree and candid in the video uploaded on his YouTube channel when he said, “This is not just about the record. It’s about beating that thing that had beaten you for four years in New York.” He’s talking about more than stats—he’s talking about conquering the injuries and doubts that haunted Barkley during his Giants tenure. Imagine the poetic justice of that record-breaking run. It’s the stuff NFL Films are made of.

You can’t ignore the Big Blue’s role in this saga. Remember, they tagged Barkley and handed Daniel Jones a fat extension. Fast forward, and Barkley’s soaring in Philly while the Giants cut Jones loose. It’s like they fumbled the future. Some fans even call it the “Barkley Curse”—a reminder of what happens when you bet on the wrong player.

But speaking of curses, that’s where this season feels like a missed opportunity for Barkley. Now, what he’s done is outrageous enough. No denying that. But a record would have been the perfect humbling… Alas, it wasn’t to be, and Irvin bowed down: “I respect him. I respect him. He made his call; I’ll live with it.” I mean, why wouldn’t Barkley want to beat the record?

But the RB respected that the Eagles gave him the line he never had in New York… and he has made every snap count. Making every single doubter pay for their words. Sure, the Giants had their reasons, but letting him walk to a division rival? That’s a move even Madden players wouldn’t make.

Guess that’s why Irvin is NOT alone in dreaming ‘what could have been had Barkley gone after the record?’ Then there’s Jason Kelce, Philly’s Ironman center, who also chimed in on his Late Night with ESPN show. “As a fan, I want them to go for it. The rushing record isn’t just cool; it’s iconic.” And he’s got a point. Dickerson’s record isn’t just numbers; it’s the holy grail of running back achievements.

Now, these might seem like just two names, but add Terry Bradshaw, LeSean McCoy, and even Dickerson voicing that he wanted to see Barkley at least go FOR IT, and you get a strong lineup. But who are they up trumps against? Big Bill to start it off.

The other side, led by Bill Belichick, opposed by Michael Irvin

Now, let’s talk about the other camp—the ones who’ve backed Nick Sirianni’s call to sit Saquon Barkley. Unsurprisingly, Bill Belichick is leading that charge. Classic Bill, right? The guy could write a dissertation on “team first.”

Belichick weighed in on the “Let’s Go” podcast, dropping wisdom like only he can. “It’s about championships,” he said. “Individual records are nice, but that’s when they come with championships. You play for your teammates, your team, and for championships.” You can almost see him staring into the camera, daring anyone to argue. Philly’s decision wasn’t just calculated; it was ice-cold, and Belichick? He’s here for it.

But here, Michael Irvin says, “I’m telling you, if we could crack his [Barkley’s] cranium, open up his heart, and really figure out what he wanted to do,” we have to wonder if they forced upon their RB. But before that, let’s not forget the context. Philly had already locked up the NFC’s No. 2 seed.

So, week 18 against the Giants wasn’t a must-win. Rather, it was a let’s-not-get-anyone-hurt kind of game. And they did not! At the same time, they ensured victory without Barkley and the other starters. Well rested ahead of the postseason. A 20-13 composed W… And yet a backlash. But Sirianni saw it coming.

Even Barkley himself seems split. He admitted Sirianni asked him if he wanted to play. Barkley, in his own words, slept on it. “It was an opportunity to implant my name in football history… but at the end of the day, I don’t care for putting the team at risk.” That’s a selfless take if I’ve ever heard one. Still, you’ve got to wonder—did it sting just a little?

Here’s the kicker: Philly’s now staring down the Packers in the wild-card round. If Barkley’s fresh legs bulldoze them to a win, Sirianni’s call becomes legendary. But if they stumble? You already know the critics will be louder than a packed Arrowhead.

So, which side are you picking? Currently, Philly’s got their eyes on the bigger prize, as they should. As Belichick might say, “Records are cool, but rings are forever.” But you can’t expect this Saquon Barkley era to be over soon because if the Eagles don’t get that ring, expect a riot over this missed record in Philly. It’d be loud, and dare we say, ugly.