Saquon Barkley’s Dominance Rekindles Running Back MVP Debate

The last time a running back claimed the NFL MVP award was 12 seasons ago when Adrian Peterson achieved the milestone with a 2,000-yard rushing campaign. Winning the MVP without reaching 2,000 rushing yards or setting a single-season touchdown record is even rarer; Emmitt Smith was the last to do so in 1993. Yet, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is mounting a case that may force voters to look beyond the default choice of a quarterback.

Barkley continued his phenomenal season with a breathtaking performance in prime time against the Los Angeles Rams. He rushed for 255 yards, surpassing 1,500 total yards from scrimmage on the year, and helped the Eagles secure a decisive 37-20 victory. Barkley’s rushing total ranks as the ninth-highest in NFL history for a single game and set a new franchise record for the Eagles.

The win improved Philadelphia’s record to 9-2, and with the Washington Commanders’ loss, the Eagles now hold a commanding three-game lead in the NFC East with six games remaining. Barkley, who is on pace for 2,000 rushing yards, has already set a career high with 1,392 rushing yards through 11 games. Even if he doesn’t reach the coveted 2,000-yard mark, his MVP candidacy grows stronger as he powers the Eagles toward a division title.

A Missed Opportunity for the Giants

The New York Giants made a glaring mistake in letting Barkley walk during the offseason. Barkley, now a clear first-team All-Pro candidate, has revitalized the Eagles’ offense in ways the Giants failed to capitalize on. During his time in New York, Barkley’s immense talent often went underutilized, as evidenced by his failure to reach 1,000 rushing yards last season. Now, surrounded by Philadelphia’s elite offensive line, Barkley is showing just how transformative he can be.

The Eagles made a rare exception to their typical approach of not overspending on running backs. They recognized the Giants’ inability to maximize Barkley’s potential and trusted their infrastructure to elevate his game. That bet has paid off, with Barkley delivering dominant performances week after week.

A Star Among Stars

Barkley’s electrifying season began in Week 1, and he hasn’t slowed down since. On Sunday night, he punctuated his incredible performance with a 72-yard touchdown run late in the game, showcasing his ability to make the extraordinary look routine. Breaking long touchdown runs in the NFL is a feat few players can consistently achieve, but Barkley has made it a hallmark of his season.

Since their bye week, the Eagles have gone 7-0, emerging as a legitimate contender in the NFC. If any team is poised to challenge the Detroit Lions in the playoffs, Philadelphia is the most obvious choice. While Barkley has been the engine driving the offense, the Eagles’ defense has also taken a significant leap forward under new coordinator Vic Fangio. Against the Rams’ potent offense, the Eagles’ defense held them to -6 yards on four second-quarter possessions, highlighting their rapid improvement.

An MVP-Worthy Season

Barkley has transformed Philadelphia’s running game and given the offense a dynamic weapon capable of turning broken plays into big gains. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet, providing the Eagles with a player who can carry the load in pivotal moments.

Despite his undeniable value, Barkley’s path to the MVP award remains uncertain due to the league’s recent tendency to favor quarterbacks for the honor. However, if voters are willing to recognize his extraordinary contributions, Barkley could break the mold and bring the MVP award back to the running back position.