In an era dominated by quarterbacks, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is redefining expectations and making a strong case for the coveted NFL MVP award. This season, Barkley has set his sights on becoming the first running back in twelve years to capture this prestigious accolade, an ambition supported by his outstanding performances, particularly during the second halves of games.
Saquon Barkley's ability to excel under pressure sets him apart, with his second-half statistics shining as evidence. Throughout the season, Barkley has accumulated an impressive 1,392 rushing yards, with 920 of those coming after halftime. This remarkable tally isn't just a feat within the current season but stands out historically. With an average of 7.9 yards per carry in the latter halves, Barkley is achieving what hasn't been surpassed in three decades.
To put this achievement in context, we can look back to 1997, when the legendary Barry Sanders averaged 6.9 yards per carry. Barkley surpassing such benchmarks in today's competitive environment highlights his incredible performance consistency and drive.
Barkley's second-half showings aren't just numerically remarkable; they've also been crucial in securing wins for the Giants, as evidenced by his seven touchdowns after the intermission. His dominant rushing game has drawn comparisons to entire teams; for instance, Barkley's second-half yardage alone surpasses the combined efforts of both Chuba Hubbard and Najee Harris.
The Philadelphia Eagles lead the league with an average of 118.8 second-half and overtime rushing yards per game, finding the balance between explosive plays and endurance. However, even the Eagles' impressive 5.9 yards per carry in these critical periods pale next to Barkley's accomplishments.
Lending credence to these performances are observations from industry insiders and fellow players. Giants offensive tackle Lane Johnson stated, "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, you know, some plays that maybe don't run the first half, run the second half. So I think I credit it to that." His insight highlights the complexity and in-game adaptations that contribute to Barkley's second-half success.
Echoing this sentiment, offensive lineman Mekhi Becton emphasized, "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. I feel like we've done that every game this year." This perspective underscores the relentless grind and strategic perseverance that have become hallmarks of the Giants' rushing attack.
Coordinator Kellen Moore has also praised the physicality and resilience ingrained in the Giants' gameplay. "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." Moore's comments not only spotlight Barkley's individual brilliance but also pay homage to the team's robust tactical framework that facilitates such explosive performances.
Barkley's outstanding form has positioned him as the NFL's fourth-leading rusher based solely on his second-half exploits—an impressive achievement considering the caliber of the competition. His determination and ability to adapt mid-game may just catalyze a shift in how running backs are perceived in MVP discussions, challenging the quarterback-centric paradigm.
As Saquon Barkley continues to break records, draw attention, and redefine expectations, the league takes notice. The Giants' running back is not just running for yardage but toward history, potentially rekindling an era where the NFL MVP isn't exclusively reserved for signal-callers. Whether or not Barkley secures the MVP title, his performances are cementing his legacy as one of the premier rushers in the modern NFL landscape.