Saquon Barkley has powered the Philadelphia Eagles’ turnaround with an MVP-caliber season, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination. During the first 2 ½ quarters of Thursday night’s game, the Eagles struggled offensively, facing a relentless Washington Commanders defense that turned the matchup into an unexpected battle of wills.
In a pivotal moment, the Eagles entrusted their best player with the task of shifting the game’s momentum.
Barkley seized the opportunity, reminding fans and analysts alike of his MVP potential.
Since signing a three-year, $37.75 million contract in March, Barkley has been instrumental in revitalizing the Eagles’ offense. His game-changing play began with a crucial dump-off pass that he transformed into a 43-yard gain, setting up a much-needed field goal. Over the final 17 ½ minutes of the game, he rushed 11 times for 90 yards, turning a precarious situation into a commanding victory.
Barkley concluded the thrilling 28-26 win with an impressive 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns, amassing 198 total yards. This marked his sixth 100-yard rushing game of the season and his fourth in the last five weeks. Leading the NFL in rushing with 1,137 yards through 10 games, he is just 175 yards shy of his career-high for a full season. Despite limited use as a receiver, his average of 9.1 yards per catch stands as the second-best of his seven-year career.
“I always believed he was a special player,” left tackle Jordan Mailata remarked after the Eagles improved to 8-2. “The possibilities of what he could accomplish behind our offensive line are endless. You truly don’t know until you see it unfold.”
Right tackle Lane Johnson added, “(Barkley) makes everyone around him look better than they might be.”
Barkley’s performance should firmly establish him as a contender in the MVP race, which currently seems to be a showdown between Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Bills quarterback Josh Allen. If Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is in the running — as many experts suggest — then Barkley certainly deserves equal consideration.
While Hurts has been playing exceptionally well, it was Barkley who truly catalyzed the Eagles’ resurgence.
General Manager Howie Roseman made a bold decision by investing significantly in a running back with a history of injuries and untapped potential. Observing the team’s struggles during a 1-6 stretch that marred the Eagles’ 2023 season, he recognized that the squad had strayed from its roots. The Eagles were built to be a powerful team, relying on their formidable offensive line and a dominant rushing attack. Their attempts to diversify their strategy led to disappointing outcomes.
This misalignment persisted in the first four games of the current season, where new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore leaned too heavily on Hurts, resulting in an inconsistent offense that mirrored the previous year’s struggles under Brian Johnson.
Recognizing the need for change, the Eagles’ offensive line approached head coach Nick Sirianni during the bye week, urging him to refocus on the team’s strengths.
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The results have been remarkable. Since that pivotal moment, the Eagles have not lost a game. They are now averaging 389.5 yards and 28.8 points per game during their six-game winning streak, an increase of 24 yards and a touchdown per game compared to their performance before the bye. Their rushing average has surged by nearly 50 yards, now standing at 199.7 yards per game.
The team has rediscovered its identity, recognizing Barkley as their most potent offensive weapon.
“We’re generating a lot of rushing yards and earning respect,” Barkley stated. “Opposing teams will have to come in with the mindset to stop our running game. When it’s working, it makes it challenging to beat us.”
Barkley remains a constant threat on the field, even during games where the offense struggles, as he can break free at any moment.
“It takes time to find the rhythm,” Hurts commented. “But it only takes one play to change everything. Whether it’s the first carry or the 25th, we just have to keep pushing forward.”
Barkley echoed this sentiment, saying, “You can stop us for many carries, but when we break off a couple of long runs at critical moments, the stats look good, and usually, we come away with a win.”
“You can stop us for 20-something carries, but when you rip off two long ones when it matters most … most times you get a win,” says Saquon Barkley. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Barkley’s journey has not always been easy. During his six years with the New York Giants, he faced constant challenges, often playing behind one of the league’s weakest offensive lines. Despite these obstacles, he managed to maintain impressive productivity.
This history influenced Giants General Manager Joe Schoen’s decision not to re-sign him, despite co-owner John Mara’s desire to keep Barkley. Schoen viewed the $26 million guarantee as an unwise investment given the team’s other pressing needs and adhered to the belief that paying a running back big money is rarely a sound strategy.
On the other hand, Roseman disregarded conventional wisdom, recognizing Barkley’s potential to shine on a team with a strong offensive line. While D’Andre Swift had a solid season with the Eagles, it took Barkley just 10 games to surpass Swift’s career-high of 1,049 rushing yards. Barkley set a new standard for the Eagles.
Barkley is not just a talented player; he is a remarkable athlete and a strategic asset for the Eagles. Roseman recognized how Barkley’s presence could elevate the entire team. His contributions are as significant to the Eagles’ success as Hurts’ performance and the revitalized defense. If Barkley can maintain his health — a considerable “if” — he will be a player that keeps opposing coaches awake at night during the playoffs. He positions the Eagles as a formidable contender in the NFC, particularly against teams like Detroit.
This all aligns with the very essence of a Most Valuable Player. However, Barkley faces an uphill battle for the award, which has predominantly favored quarterbacks in recent years. Over the last two decades, quarterbacks have claimed the MVP title 11 times consecutively, with only one running back, Adrian Peterson in 2012, breaking the trend.
