Saquon Barkley: The NFL’s Shohei Ohtani?

Saquon Barkley is being compared to Shohei Ohtani for his unique ability to dominate in multiple facets of the game, much like Ohtani excels as both a pitcher and hitter in the MLB. Here’s why this comparison holds weight:

Unmatched Offensive Talent

• Barkley’s Explosive Plays:
  Barkley has consistently demonstrated his ability to break away for long runs. His recent performance against the Los Angeles Rams—which included 72- and 70-yard touchdown runs—showcased his elite playmaking ability. This season, he has already recorded five runs of over 50 yards, putting him on pace to potentially break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards (1984).

  

• MVP Candidacy:
  With a historic performance of 255 rushing yards against the Rams, Barkley is now seen as a strong contender for the AP NFL MVP award. However, the odds favor quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, highlighting the QB-centric nature of the award.

Challenges for Non-QBs in MVP Race

Historically, non–QBs have had a tougher path to MVP:

• 18 Running Back MVPs: The last was Adrian Peterson in 2012, following his 2,097-yard rushing season.
• QB Dominance: With 45 QB MVP winners, voters often prioritize the player who directs the offense.

Barkley’s case could be strengthened by the Eagles’ strong record (9-2), positioning them as one of the NFC’s top teams. Winning teams often boost their players’ MVP chances.

Modern MVP Voting Dynamics

• New Voting Format:
  Since 2022, MVP voting has adopted a ranked system, allowing voters to submit their top five choices. This could benefit players like Barkley, as it provides an avenue for non-QBs to garner more recognition.

• Historical Comparisons:
  Rare non-QB MVPs include Alan Page (Defensive Tackle, 1971) and Lawrence Taylor (Linebacker, 1986). If Barkley continues his torrid pace, he might join this exclusive club.

  

The Barkley-Ohtani Parallel

Much like Ohtani transcends traditional roles in baseball, Barkley elevates the running back position by serving as a game-changer in the NFL. His ability to shift the tide of games, much like Ohtani’s dual-threat dominance, makes the comparison fitting and highlights his rare skill set in today’s NFL.