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Eagles' Nick Sirianni Explains Controversial Pass to Saquon Barkley in Falcons Loss

Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

After a costly incompletion led to the Philadelphia Eagles giving up a game-winning drive against the Atlanta Falcons Monday night, Nick Sirianni explained his decision to pass rather than keep the ball on the ground.

He said he opted for a short pass attempt to Saquon Barkley over the run because of what he saw from the Falcons' defense.

"They were running a certain defense — junking it up in the middle," Sirianni said. "So we were trying to go around the outside, and it didn't work."

Sirianni also explained that he wanted to challenge Atlanta to go down the field without any timeouts, but the incomplete pass allowed the Falcons to retain one of their timeouts.