As the NFL season unfolds, the star running back for the New York Giants, Saquon Barkley, continues to turn heads with his record-breaking performance. Barkley is no stranger to accolades, but this season he has reached new heights with his exceptional rushing prowess.
Historic Rushing Performance
Through the first 12 games of the current season, Saquon Barkley has amassed a staggering 1,499 rushing yards. This remarkable achievement places him eighth among all players in the history of the NFL for rushing yards in the first 12 games of a season. Such a prestigious ranking illustrates Barkley's significant impact on the field, echoing the feats of illustrious players like Jim Brown. Back in 1963, Brown set a high bar with over 1,475 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns while maintaining an average of 6.0 yards per carry. Barkley, however, is not content with just drawing comparisons to the legends; he is poised to carve his own legacy.
Chasing Records
Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984, remains one of the most storied records in NFL history. Barkley is on a relentless pursuit of this benchmark. To match Dickerson's record, Barkley needs to average 121.2 rushing yards over the remaining games of the season. So far, with an average of 124.9 rushing yards per game, he is on track to challenge Dickerson’s legendary feat.
Yards from Scrimmage Leader
Barkley's excellence extends beyond rushing alone; he leads the league in yards from scrimmage, averaging 147.2 yards per game. This versatility makes him an indispensable asset to the Giants, contributing to their offensive depth in numerous ways. Over the course of the season, Barkley has gained 1,766 yards from scrimmage, putting him within striking distance of another remarkable NFL record.
The current record for yards from scrimmage in a single season stands at 2,509 yards, set by Chris Johnson in 2009. If Barkley maintains his current pace, his projections hint at concluding the season with 2,502 yards from scrimmage—just seven yards shy of Johnson's all-time mark.
The MVP Conversation
In recent years, the MVP award has become a quarterback-dominated accolade. The last time a running back claimed the league MVP was when Adrian Peterson did so in 2012. Barkley’s astonishing display this season, however, has reignited conversations about the potential for a non-quarterback MVP.
Barkley’s combination of raw athletic talent, mental fortitude, and tactical intelligence has made him a favorite among peers and fans alike. His ability to consistently outperform formidable defenses has positioned him as a central figure in the MVP discussions. If he continues to shatter records and guide the Giants through their current campaign, he may very well break the quarterback stranglehold on the MVP award.
A Season to Remember
The 2023 NFL season could very well become one of the most memorable in the illustrious history of the New York Giants, largely due to Saquon Barkley's incredible contributions. As fans eagerly watch his chase for season records, Barkley's performances will undoubtedly remain a defining narrative of the year. His commitment to excellence, determination on the field, and ability to rise to the occasion set the stage for what might be an extraordinary finish to an already spectacular season.