Why Isn’t Saquon Barkley in the Conversation for MVP?
The Eagles running back has absolutely balled out this year. Saquon Barkley is averaging 125 yards per game on the ground and nearly six yards per carry. The Giants certainly are kicking themselves, as he was their leader in the backfield just last year. Passing Eric Dickerson for most rushing yards in a season is attainable for Barkley in his last game. However, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has decided to sit the starters to avoid injury before the players. That certainly is an interesting move, and I am curious to see how the NFL world reacts to that. Barkley will finish the year with 2,005 rushing yards.
He is just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, most recently achieved by Derrick Henry as a member of the Titans in 2020. Out of the eight other running backs to rush for 2,000 yards, four of them have won MVP. Even with this historic season, Barkley still isn't even being talked about in the MVP race. There is one main reason for that, however valid I think it is.
One of the reasons is that historically, the MVP race is a battle of QBs. The MVP was last won by a non-QB in 2012 when Adrian Peterson won it. The Vikings running back ran for 2,097 yards that year. Realistically, I think Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson will end up winning it this year. However, I don't think that should discount the tremendous season that Saquon Barkley had.
The former Giants running back certainly should be proud of what he has accomplished this year. The Giants certainly made a big mistake by letting him walk in free agency. The running game that the Eagles have created with Jalen Hurts and Barkley is one to be reckoned with. An award I definitely believe Barkley will be in the conversation for is Offensive Player of the Year. We will see if anything changes in terms of the MVP race as the season comes to a close. Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Saquon Barkley are certainly each deserving of the award. Who will win it, though, is the question?
