In the realm of professional football, running backs have often faced an uphill battle when it comes to being named the league's Most Valuable Player. Saquon Barkley, the New York Giants' dynamic running back, is on a mission to change that narrative. This season, he is vying to become the first running back in 12 years to claim the prestigious NFL MVP award, and his on-field exploits make a strong case for his candidacy.
A Season to Remember
Saquon Barkley's season has been nothing short of spectacular. He has amassed an impressive 1,392 rushing yards, a number that is even more extraordinary considering his dominance in the latter stages of games. In the second half of contests, Barkley has accumulated 920 rushing yards, a remarkable feat achieved on just 116 carries. This translates to an average of 7.9 yards per carry—an accomplishment unparalleled over the last three decades. For context, the great Barry Sanders averaged 6.9 yards per carry during his stellar 1997 campaign.
This second-half vitality has been pivotal for Barkley. His ability to wear down defenses and produce significant yardage as games progress has distinguished him as one of the most lethal offensive weapons in the league. "I do think there is an element of -- we pride ourselves on being a really physical run game, and those things wear on you as the game goes on," explained Kellen Moore, highlighting the strategic approach that has contributed to Barkley's success.
The Second-Half Surge
Barkley's 920 rushing yards in the second half are more than the combined efforts of Chuba Hubbard and Najee Harris, underscoring his efficiency and durability. His performance in the waning moments of games isn't merely about yardage, either. He has found the end zone seven times in the second half, further exemplifying his ability to influence the outcome of games with big plays when they are needed most. His 7.9 yards per carry is a league-leading statistic that showcases his explosiveness and vision.
Lane Johnson, reflecting on the adaptations crucial to this kind of performance, said, "There's a lot of stuff you can game plan through throughout the week, and then, you know, you get to the game and they may show up in a different defense. You have to make those adjustments after each series and like halftime." Barkley's aptitude for adjusting to defensive schemes has certainly paid dividends, allowing him to exploit weaknesses in the latter stages of games.
A League-Leading Comparison
This season, the Philadelphia Eagles have set the benchmark for second-half and overtime rushing success with an average of 118.8 yards per game, at 5.9 yards per carry. Barkley’s individual second-half performance alone places him as the NFL's fourth-leading rusher based on second-half output alone. This stark comparison highlights not only his personal excellence but also his critical role in his team's offensive strategy.
Mekhi Becton also provided insight into the mindset necessary for such achievements: "Like the run game isn't always gonna hit off the first run. It's one of those things where we gotta keep going and going and wait for it to just hit." This perseverance is evident in Barkley's gameplay, where grinding out runs often leads to breakaway moments.
Redefining the MVP Pursuit
As Saquon Barkley continues to etch his name in the annals of football history with each passing game, he not only seeks personal accolades but also elevates the stature and impact of the running back position. His quest for the MVP award is a testament to his exceptional talent and the strategic deployment by the Giants coaching staff that highlights his second-half proficiency. In an era where quarterbacks have traditionally dominated the MVP conversation, Barkley's narrative is a refreshing reminder of the influence a premier running back can wield.
Though the season is yet unfinished, Barkley's body of work already stands as a compelling argument for MVP voters seeking to reward not just excellence, but enduring impact. Whether he ultimately captures the coveted award remains to be seen, but his performances have undoubtedly carved out a significant conversation around the value and potential of a running back in today's NFL landscape.