Saquon Barkley’s Quest for NFL MVP: A Running Back's Resurgence
Saquon Barkley is making waves in the NFL, not just as the cornerstone of the New York Giants' offense, but as a contender for the league's MVP. A running back clinching the MVP title has been a rarity over the past decade. Yet, Barkley's season performance places him in the conversation, rekindling the possibility of a running back reigning supreme in what is often a quarterback-dominated accolade. This season, Barkley has set his sights on becoming the first running back in 12 years to win the coveted award.
His stats this season are nothing short of remarkable. Barkley has rushed for a total of 1,392 yards, establishing himself as a powerhouse on the field. However, it is his second-half brilliance that truly sets him apart. With 920 rushing yards in the latter half of games, Barkley averages an astounding 7.9 yards per carry post-half time. This achievement surpasses any second-half rushing average in the last 30 years, eclipsing the 6.9 yards per carry that the legendary Barry Sanders reached in his formidable 1997 campaign.
The analysis of Barkley's second-half performance provides deeper insight into his dominance. With 116 carries in the second half alone, Barkley has scored seven touchdowns, showcasing his persistent and inevitable drive. His second-half rushing yards even outshine the combined totals of Chuba Hubbard and Najee Harris, underscoring his preeminence on the field.
When delving into the mechanics of Barkley’s sensational second-half deliveries, it’s pertinent to consider the strategies involved. Lane Johnson offers some context, revealing that week-long game planning and on-the-fly adjustments play a critical role. He notes, "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...” It is Barkley’s adaptability that seems to fuel his late-game heroics.
The Power of Persistence
Mekhi Becton echoes a sentiment that indicates an element of patience and resilience in the run game. "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," he explains. This philosophy seems ingrained in Barkley’s approach, allowing him to find those crucial gaps and lanes as defenses tire and evolve.
Moreover, Kellen Moore highlights the physicality of the Giants' run game as a contributing factor to Barkley's stellar second-half showing. Moore describes, "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 when you get the opportunities we get. And the way the games have played out, you can keep grinding it out as the second half progresses, and those big plays eventually pop." This endurance and physical advantage manifest in Barkley's ability to turn games on their head as they progress.
A League-wide Context
Examining the broader league context, the Philadelphia Eagles stand as a testament to effective second-half rushing, leading the league with an average of 118.8 second-half and overtime rushing yards per game. With a 5.9 yards per carry average during these periods, the Eagles fall short of Barkley’s individual contributions. Despite the team's strength, Barkley’s performance surpasses that of a collective unit, shining a spotlight on his individual talent and determination.
Sitting as the NFL's fourth-leading rusher solely based on his second-half numbers, Barkley not only affirms his status as a formidable running back but also as a strategic player capable of altering the course of a game. The Giants, with Barkley as their offensive lynchpin, are leveraging this attribute to their advantage.
As the season advances, Barkley's profound impact continues to provoke discussion and admiration. Whether he secures the MVP title remains to be seen, but his relentless pursuit of excellence and remarkable second-half statistics have already cemented his season as one for the history books. For running back enthusiasts and sports analysts alike, Barkley's performances offer a masterclass in skill, strategy, and stamina in the world of professional football.