In an era when quarterbacks dominate the headlines and the MVP race, Saquon Barkley, the running powerhouse of the New York Giants, is striving to change the narrative. Barkley aims to become the first running back in twelve years to clinch the NFL MVP title, a feat that would mark a significant milestone in a league inclined towards the aerial prowess of quarterbacks.
Barkley’s pursuit is fuelled by an extraordinary season where he's amassed 1,392 rushing yards. This impressive tally is bolstered significantly by his phenomenal second-half performances, where he has accounted for 920 of those yards, averaging an astonishing 7.9 yards per carry. This average is not just impressive for this season but is a hallmark achievement, unmatched for the last three decades. To put this in perspective, the legendary Barry Sanders only managed 6.9 yards per carry during his stellar 1997 campaign.
With 116 carries in the second half alone, Barkley's contributions have been pivotal during those crucial late-game moments, often turning the tide in favor of his team. His ability to sustain this relentless efficiency not only showcases his skill but also his endurance and tenacity on the field. Moreover, he has scored seven touchdowns in the latter halves of games this season, a testament to his effectiveness when the game is on the line.
While Barkley’s numbers speak volumes, the context provided by those around the league highlights the significance of his performance. Lane Johnson has pointed out that game strategy often shifts as defenses adjust, which demands flexibility and adaptation from offensive players. "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," he says, suggesting that Barkley's prowess is not just innate talent but also strategic execution.
Mekhi Becton echoes a similar sentiment, emphasizing the grind that comes with a successful rushing attack: "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." Becton's remarks underline the perseverance required to maintain a strong running game throughout the entirety of the game.
Kellen Moore offers further insight, articulating the physical demands and eventual rewards of a robust ground game. "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 reflection pinpoints the resilience and fortitude that underlines Barkley’s performances, particularly in the high-pressure second halves.
Despite these stellar efforts, challenges remain for Barkley and the Giants. The Philadelphia Eagles, with their league-leading average of 118.8 second-half and overtime rushing yards per game, set a formidable benchmark. Their 5.9 yards per carry in the second half, although trailing Barkley's personal average, underscores a collective team effort that other franchises could emulate.
Barkley currently stands as the NFL’s fourth-leading rusher based solely on his second-half showings, which is an incredible feat, considering the combined second-half rushing yards of some notable names like Chuba Hubbard and Najee Harris fall short of Barkley's tally alone. This statistic alone highlights his exceptional performance and underlines the impact he has had this season.
In a league often dominated by passing brilliance, Saquon Barkley’s season is a triumphant nod to the potency of a well-executed ground game. With every determined stride he takes, the echoes of illustrious past rushers reverberate, yet his journey this season remains uniquely his own—a testament to his exceptional ability and relentless pursuit of greatness.