NFL MVPs have gone to quarterbacks for the last 11 seasons. As the most important position in sports, it makes sense that quarterbacks will be first in line to reap the rewards. However, in a season where Mel Kiper’s nemesis, cover two, has been so prevalent, the stats have been down for many quarterbacks.
Currently, quarterbacks still dominate the MVP odds lists, headlined by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. They are certainly deserving of recognition. However, Saquon Barkley needs to be in the conversation as well.
An Underrated Eagles Player Case for NFL MVP
The Impact of Saquon Barkley
After coming over from the New York Giants, Saquon Barkley garnered tons of hype from fans around the league. He’s surpassing many of those expectations en route to an MVP-caliber season. He leads the league in scrimmage yards, and accounts for over a third of the Eagles total yards by himself.
Moreover, many offensive statistics have taken a considerable jump from last year with Barkley in the lineup. However, his true impact can only be realized when comparing the Eagles’ offense this year to last. In 2023, the Eagles’ offense struggled to put together drives, and the passing game was almost solely dependent on big plays.
In 2024, Barkley’s presence has completely changed this team’s identity. They are a team that wants to physically dominate and wear on opponents because they know Barkley will tear them apart by the end of the game. This was the difference in last week’s game against the Washington Commanders; a game they would have lost in the previous year.
The Rest of the Field
A running back has not won the MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012. So, the odds are stacked against Barkley, however, this season has been more defined by a team’s ability to run the ball than the last five years. That does not rule out Jackson or Allen by any means, but it also should open the door for Barkley and Derrick Henry.
Lamar Jackson should be the favorite for the NFL MVP as of now. However, Barkley has a clear case to be number two right now with Allen not having the best statistical year. Moreover, there’s a chance that the Eagles will have a more successful regular season than the Ravens, which could give Barkley an edge if the race is close.
Parting NFL MVP Thoughts
Out of the opponents the Eagles have left, the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers games could be the place for Barkley to make a mark and boost his MVP odds. The Eagles also play the Carolina Panthers, which could also give Barkley a big boost.
Overall, quarterbacks will always be first in line for his type of award, but if there’s any year for a different position to win, it seems this is the time. Barkley has the stats and the highlights, and while there’s plenty left to play, the Eagles should have one of the best records in the league. With the Eagles’ defense playing awesome right now, the Eagles will continue to lean on Barkley and the run game.
Main Photo: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
