Saquon Barkley's Historic Season: A Second-Half Phenomenon
In the shadow of some of the most extraordinary performances in NFL history, Saquon Barkley is carving his legacy with a season that defies convention and reshapes expectations. The New York Giants’ star running back is not just aiming to be the best on his team or in the division; he is vying for recognition as the league's Most Valuable Player. This ambitious goal is underpinned by historic second-half performances that place him on the cusp of achieving what no running back has done in over a decade.
Second-Half Superiority
This season, Barkley has rushed for a staggering 1,392 yards, with 920 of those yards coming in the latter half of games. His average of 7.9 yards per carry in the second half is a feat unparalleled in the last 30 years, surpassing even the legendary Barry Sanders, who averaged 6.9 yards per carry in his 1997 campaign. Barkley’s dominance doesn’t just show up on the stat sheet; it’s a palpable force that underpins his team's late-game resilience and ability to close out tight contests.
“There's a lot of stuff you can game plan through throughout the week," explains Lane Johnson, shedding light on Barkley's ability to adapt. "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 adaptability, combined with Barkley’s physical prowess, enables him to thrive when the stakes are highest.
The Grind of the Ground Game
Barkley's second-half success isn't merely a product of raw talent; it’s a testament to perseverance and the ability to exploit the wear and tear of a game. Mekhi Becton insightfully remarks, "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.” This persistence is the key to Barkley's success, as he continues to pound defenses, waiting for the inevitable moment when the dam breaks.
With 116 carries in the second halves of games and seven touchdowns scored in these critical moments, Barkley hasn’t just been good; he’s been exceptional. His second-half yardage alone surpasses the combined totals of Chuba Hubbard and Najee Harris, underscoring his role as a bellwether for his team’s fortunes.
The Company of Eagles
Interestingly, while Barkley’s individual efforts shine, team exploits paint another fascinating picture of running back’s contribution to overall game strategy. The Philadelphia Eagles lead the league with an average of 118.8 second-half and overtime rushing yards per game, averaging 5.9 yards per carry in these periods. While the Giants do not yet match this collective achievement, Barkley's performance places him as the NFL’s fourth-leading rusher, an impressive ranking considering his second-half focus.
“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," states Kellen Moore. "When you get the opportunities we get, you can keep grinding it out as the second half progresses, and those big plays eventually pop.” The endurance and power Barkley exhibits align perfectly with Moore’s strategy, where persistence leads to eventual breakthroughs.
Aiming for MVP Recognition
As the season progresses, the question isn’t just whether Barkley can sustain this level of performance, but whether it will be enough to earn him the MVP accolade. The MVP award has eluded running backs for twelve years, a fact not lost on Barkley as he aims to disrupt a quarterback-dominated race.
Saquon Barkley is more than just a running back with gaudy stats; he is a symbol of hope for a Giants team seeking to reassert its relevance on the national stage. With each grueling second-half sprint, he draws closer not only to personal glory but to a place in the pantheon of NFL greats. As defenses scramble to adjust to his relentless pace, one thing is certain: Saquon Barkley is not finished yet, and his story is far from reaching its climactic moment.