Saquon Barkley's Remarkable Second-Half Surge Sets Stage for MVP Talks
Saquon Barkley, the standout running back for the New York Giants, is crafting a season for the ages as his dazzling second-half performances have propelled his candidacy as a potential NFL MVP. While the odds are often stacked against running backs in the MVP race, with none having won the award in over a decade, Barkley's electrifying performances are putting him firmly in the conversation.
This season, Barkley has been a master of adaptation and resilience, particularly after halftime. Accumulating an impressive 1,392 rushing yards, with a staggering 920 of those coming in the second half of games, he showcases both his endurance and his tenacity. It’s during these critical moments that his prowess becomes most apparent, averaging an extraordinary 7.9 yards per carry in the second half. This statistic isn't just impressive on its own; it’s a milestone that hasn't been matched in the last 30 years of NFL history. For context, legendary running back Barry Sanders averaged 6.9 yards per carry in his lauded 1997 campaign.
Barkley's ability to dominate later in games has fueled him to score seven touchdowns in the second half this season. His second-half rushing yardage, notably, exceeds the combined total of fellow rushers Chuba Hubbard and Najee Harris. His dynamic speed and vision invite comparisons with some of the league's best, with Barkley standing as the NFL's fourth-leading rusher based purely on second-half performance.
It’s no accident that Barkley shines as the game progresses. Philadelphia Eagles’ Lane Johnson provides insight into this phenomenon, stating, "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." This level of strategic game-planning and on-the-fly adjustment speaks volumes of the coaching and play-calling that contributes to Barkley's late-game heroics.
Notable offensive linemen like the Eagles’ Mekhi Becton emphasize the relentless nature of the rushing game, saying, "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." Such persistence, combined with exceptional physicality, complements Barkley's style, ensuring that he capitalizes on defensive tiredness as the match unfolds.
With the Philadelphia Eagles averaging 118.8 yards per game in the second half and overtime, leading the league in this category, it underlines the increasing strategic importance placed on late-game ground attacks. The Eagles themselves average 5.9 yards per carry in these periods, further validating the effectiveness of the run game when opponents’ defenses begin to wane.
Kellen Moore eloquently summarizes the outlook, reflecting, "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 blend of strategy and physicality is precisely where Barkley thrives, executing impactful runs that define the Giants' second halves.
As Saquon Barkley pursues the coveted MVP title, his case is buttressed by unparalleled second-half accomplishments which not only elevate his stature but also position him as a pivotal player in the Giants' aspirations this season. Whether he ultimately emerges as the MVP remains to be seen, yet what is certain is that Barkley is blazing a trail of excellence that can't be ignored.