RB Index, Week 12: The Main Thing Standing Between Saquon Barkley and MVP Honors? His Quarterback
Through 11 weeks of the 2022 NFL season, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has emerged as a legitimate candidate for the league’s Most Valuable Player award. With his electrifying running style and impressive production, Barkley has carried the Giants to a surprising 7-3 record, putting them in contention for a playoff berth.
Barkley’s Stellar Season
Barkley has been a force to be reckoned with this season, ranking among the league’s elite running backs in several key categories. He currently leads the NFL in rushing yards (1,041) and yards per carry (5.9), while also ranking third in rushing touchdowns (8). His ability to create explosive plays has been a major factor in the Giants’ offensive success, as he has recorded 10 runs of 20 yards or more, the most in the league.
In addition to his rushing prowess, Barkley has also been a valuable contributor in the passing game, catching 31 passes for 238 yards and 1 touchdown. His versatility and all-around impact make him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the NFL.
The Quarterback Question
Despite Barkley’s impressive individual performance, there is one major factor that could potentially stand in the way of him winning the MVP award: his quarterback, Daniel Jones. While Jones has shown signs of improvement this season, he has also been inconsistent at times, throwing for 1,780 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. His completion percentage of 62.3% ranks 22nd among qualified quarterbacks.
The Giants’ offense has often been held back by Jones’ limitations. In particular, his struggles with accuracy on deep passes have limited Barkley’s ability to break off big plays and score touchdowns. Additionally, Jones’ tendency to hold onto the ball for too long has resulted in several sacks, which have disrupted the offense’s rhythm.
Comparison to Other MVP Candidates
When comparing Barkley to other MVP candidates, such as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, the difference in quarterback play becomes evident. Mahomes and Hurts have both been exceptional this season, leading their respective teams to impressive records. They have consistently made big plays and put their teams in position to succeed, which has been a major factor in their MVP candidacies.
While Barkley’s individual statistics are impressive, the lack of a consistent and dynamic quarterback could ultimately cost him the MVP award. If the Giants want to make a deep playoff run and enhance Barkley’s MVP chances, they will need Jones to play at a higher level and provide the offense with the leadership and playmaking ability it needs to succeed.
Conclusion
Saquon Barkley has been the driving force behind the New York Giants’ success this season. His exceptional running ability and all-around impact have made him a legitimate MVP candidate. However, the Giants’ quarterback situation remains a potential obstacle to Barkley’s MVP aspirations. If Daniel Jones can elevate his play and become a more consistent and dynamic quarterback, Barkley’s chances of winning the award will increase significantly. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how the quarterback play impacts Barkley’s MVP candidacy and the Giants’ overall success.