In a league dominated by aerial assaults and quarterback acrobatics, the thought of a running back clinching the NFL MVP award has become almost mythical. Yet, Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants stands on the precipice of breaking this narrative. Not since Adrian Peterson a dozen years ago has a running back touched the coveted trophy, but Barkley’s cerebral and dynamic performances this season have reignited the possibility.
A Season to Remember
With 1,392 rushing yards accumulated so far, Barkley has been a cornerstone of the Giants' offensive strategy. But the remarkable part of his season lies in his second-half performances. In these crucial periods, where games are often won or lost, Barkley has stacked up an astounding 920 rushing yards. His second-half runs average an extraordinary 7.9 yards per carry, a feat unparalleled in the past 30 years.
Reflecting on such historic accomplishments draws comparisons to legendary figures. Barry Sanders, in his illustrious 1997 campaign, managed an impressive 6.9 yards per carry. However, even Sanders' exploits fall short of what Barkley has managed to achieve this season during the latter halves of games.
The Making of a Second-Half Powerhouse
So, what contributes to this sustained second-half success? Lane Johnson provides some insight: "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."
Johnson's observation highlights the adaptability in both Barkley’s and the Giants' approach. By adjusting strategies within the game, Barkley has found lanes that seemed non-existent earlier. Such tactical acumen is vital, allowing him to keep defenses on their heels, waiting patiently for the opportunity to 'pop' a big play.
A Grind Yields Gold
"Like the run game isn't always gonna hit off the first run," says Mekhi Becton. "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." Barkley's perseverance isn't just sheer tenacity but a calculated exhibition of physical endurance and mental focus, which together form the fabric of his transcendent second-half performances.
Moreover, the ground game’s physicality wears down opponents. Kellen Moore articulates this subtle art of attrition well: "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 relentless pursuit, often perceived as merely 'grinding it out,' has become Barkley's weapon of choice.
Impressive Statistics, Tough Comparisons
With 116 second-half carries, Barkley exemplifies both will and skill. His effort has resulted in seven touchdowns during these critical moments of the game, outpacing the second-half rushing yards of players like Chuba Hubbard and Najee Harris combined. Despite the individual brilliance of Barkley, he fits into a broader context of team strategies. The Philadelphia Eagles, for example, lead the league with an average of 118.8 second-half and overtime rushing yards per game, maintaining a robust 5.9 yards per carry.
Barkley’s formidable stature isn't only about raw statistics; it echoes a deeper understanding of the game, tactical brilliance, and the rare ability to perform under clutch situations. His performances make him the NFL's fourth-leading rusher based on second-half statistics alone, a testament to his impact and a beckoning call to award voters.
As the season unfolds, the likelihood of a running back reaching MVP status in this modern era doesn't seem as implausible. Saquon Barkley, with each determined stride, inches closer toward what many deemed an insurmountable pinnacle—an MVP crown gleaming brightly from hard-fought second-half glories. Whether he seizes it or not, this pursuit has already left a mark, a reminder of what a powerful and determined run game can achieve in today’s NFL landscape.