The NFL MVP Award is usually saved for the league’s top quarterback, but it’s not exclusive to that position. Since 1987, seven running backs have managed to win the award over the top quarterback, and former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci believes Saquon Barkley could be the next to accomplish that feat.
While making an appearance on NFL Total Access earlier this week, Mariucci was asked to predict the 2020 NFL MVP and he did not hesitate, immediately naming the New York Giants running back.
“Six running backs have made MVP in the last 25 years, but they did something special like rush for 2,000 yards or break the rushing record like LT did with 28 rushing touchdowns,” Mariucci said. “But Saquon is versatile. He had 91 receptions and a bunch of yards rushing as a rookie. He’s going to go over 2,000 yards again. He’s got a chance. If that team can get better and have a winning season, Saquon Barkley.”
Although Barkley did struggle through a high ankle sprain a season ago, the numbers he put up during his rookie campaign are more representative of what he’s capable of producing.
With Jason Garrett now taking over as the Giants’ offensive coordinator, fans can expect an even larger dose of Barkley on a game-by-game basis. Like Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas, Barkley will become the featured piece on offense and everything will run through him.
“I like watching running backs and learning from them. It’s cool to be able to go back and see some plays that I’ve watched before, now actually be on this side and actually understanding the play behind it, how it works for [Ezekiel Elliott],” Barkley said in May. “For me, I’ve just always believed and was always taught to believe in yourself. I feel like every year I’m going to try to improve and with the help of not just Jason Garrett’s offense but with my work ethic and my team that’s around me. Not only myself as an individual, I feel like we can be more productive on the offensive side of the ball and obviously all three phases of the game, playing complementary football.”
If he can stay healthy, there’s little doubt Barkley is capable of putting up MVP-like numbers, but in order to walk away with the award, the Giants will have to win some games.
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