Saquon Barkley's Second-Half Surge Fuels MVP Ambitions
As a running back for the New York Giants, Saquon Barkley has set ambitious goals for himself this season. Not only does he excel on the field, but Barkley is seeking to become the first running back in twelve years to capture the NFL MVP award. His pursuit of this accolade comes as he puts up impressive numbers, particularly in the latter halves of games.
This season alone, Barkley has amassed 1,392 rushing yards, with a staggering 920 of those coming in the second half. As much as numbers light up the stat sheet, it's his 7.9 yards-per-carry average in these decisive periods that truly sets him apart. This average is not just remarkable for the season; it’s an extraordinary mark that hasn’t been surpassed in the league in the past 30 years. For perspective, NFL legend Barry Sanders posted a strong 6.9 yards per carry during his iconic 1997 season.
Lane Johnson, a peer in the league, offers insight into Barkley's success. "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," he explains. This adaptability might be a key factor in Barkley's second-half dominance.
Barkley's prowess isn't just in the stat comparisons but in tangible outcomes. With 116 carries during second halves this season, Barkley has also managed to find the end zone seven times. His ability to wear down defenses and capitalize on the physical aspect of the game echoes the sentiments of players like Mekhi Becton. "Like the run game isn't always gonna hit off the first run," Becton notes. "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."
As Barkley secures more second-half rushing yards than the likes of Chuba Hubbard and Najee Harris combined, he ranks fourth in the NFL in second-half rushing, underscoring his effectiveness when it matters most. His performance not only benefits the Giants but also raises the bar for what a running back can achieve late in games.
Conversely, much is said around the league about the Philadelphia Eagles, who lead with an average of 118.8 second-half and overtime rushing yards per game. While the Eagles average a commendable 5.9 yards per carry in these periods, Barkley's individual feats stand out even more given the team-focused success of Philadelphia.
Reflections from Kellen Moore add another layer of understanding to Barkley's achievements. "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 explains.
Barkley's relentless drive and adaptability have not only made him a standout player for the Giants but have also put him firmly in the conversation for the NFL's most coveted individual award. As the season progresses, the league watches to see if Barkley can maintain his momentum and achieve the historic MVP milestone.