One of only two running backs in the NFL with more than 1,000 rushing yards this season (Derrick Henry is the other), Saquon Barkley rushed 23 times for 107 yards and a touchdown while catching two of the four targets for 10 yards during Philadelphia’s 24-19. win against the Ravens on Sunday afternoon.
A seven-year professional playing his first season with the Eagles after spending the previous six with the rival Giants, Barkley has already set a career high in rushing yards (1,499) and the 27-year-old is on pace to more than 2,000 yards over the season.
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Hot on the rock after scoring his fifth rushing touchdown in the last three games on Sunday and his 11th of the season, Barkley has reached 100 rushing yards in eight of Philadelphia’s 12 games this season.
A hit with even Philly’s most fickle fans, Barkley has risen to second place in the NFL’s MVP ratings behind Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen. At home and on the road, Philadelphia fans are letting Barkley know as the former Penn State QB is receiving MVP chants wherever he plays right now.
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To his credit, Barkley doesn’t let the chants get to his head and stays focused on his No. 1 goal: helping the Eagles post wins en route to a Super Bowl berth.
“I enjoy the MVP chants. It’s great, but, at the end of the day, the most important thing is winning football games,” Barkley said. “I’ve been so locked in, so focused. And my preparation, the way I work throughout the week, and there’s a reason why I’m getting these chants. If I keep at it, a once the season is over, “
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Appearing in just two playoff games in his NFL career, Barkley is on pace to rack up 2,124 rushing yards (which would break Eric Dickerson’s single-season league record of 2,105). If Barkley exceeds that mark, it’s certainly possible that MVP voters will break the mold and vote for a player who doesn’t play quarterback.
If not, don’t be surprised.
“Barkley plays the wrong position,” according to NFL.com. It’s become a quarterback award, and it doesn’t take one great season from a running back to earn it. All the other big name quarterbacks need to go down, and that’s not going to happen this year. »
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