Jason Kelce didn’t hold back when talking about Saquon Barkley’s impact on the Philadelphia Eagles this season. The Eagles’ veteran center recently shared his thoughts on how Barkley has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dominant players, and why he deserves serious consideration in the MVP conversation.
Eagles Got a Steal
Speaking about Saquon’s performance, Kelce couldn’t help but marvel at how the Eagles had essentially “stolen” Barkley from the rest of the NFL. “Philly just got a steal from the entire NFL,” Kelce said, reflecting on how Barkley’s talent and work ethic had already made a huge difference for the Eagles’ offense. This statement underscores how valuable Barkley has been to the Eagles, especially considering the struggles he faced during his time in New York, battling injuries and a lackluster offensive line. In Philadelphia, however, Barkley is thriving, and Kelce believes that the Eagles’ offense has been elevated because of his presence.
Saquon’s Phenomenal Performance
Barkley’s recent performance against Washington is a perfect example of why Kelce is so high on the running back. Barkley rushed for an impressive 146 yards and scored two touchdowns, including a 39-yard game-sealing run late in the game. Kelce gave a shoutout to the Eagles’ offensive line for their role in making these big plays possible, especially praising Cam Jurgens for his outstanding blocking on Barkley’s 39-yard touchdown. Jurgens was credited for blocking a safety twice on the same play, demonstrating the kind of teamwork that has helped make Barkley’s explosive runs possible.
Barkley’s Vision and Versatility
Kelce also highlighted the special qualities that make Saquon Barkley stand out on the field. While many fans focus on Barkley’s speed and athleticism, Kelce pointed out his superior vision and ability to read defenses. “He’s got such good vision; he makes plays and makes reads that I’ve never seen a guy do before,” Kelce said. Barkley’s patience when running through holes, his ability to accelerate with power when needed, and his natural ability to hit the hole with authority make him a dangerous weapon on any given play. Kelce emphasized that these traits, combined with Barkley’s versatility, make him not just a top-tier running back but a key contributor to the Eagles’ offense.
MVP Conversation for Barkley
As the conversation shifted toward MVP talk, Kelce pointed out that the idea of Saquon Barkley winning the award shouldn’t be so easily dismissed. While the MVP trophy is typically reserved for quarterbacks, the impact a player like Barkley has had on the Eagles’ offense this season raises the question: why shouldn’t a running back be in the discussion?
Kelce argued that the Eagles’ offense, once heavily reliant on Jalen Hurts, has evolved into a balanced attack, with Barkley at the forefront of the running game. “He’s made the offense and the team so much better,” Kelce said. In his eyes, Barkley’s contributions go far beyond the box score—he’s a leader on and off the field, constantly elevating those around him. His ability to turn a game in the Eagles’ favor, with explosive runs and timely plays, makes him as valuable to the team as anyone.
The Touchdown Debate
One point Kelce made that’s sure to grab attention is Barkley’s proximity to even more touchdowns. Despite scoring eight touchdowns so far, Saquon has been stopped at the one-yard line a remarkable nine times this season. If those were converted into scores, Kelce believes Barkley would be sitting at 17 touchdowns halfway through the season—a number that could make an MVP campaign nearly undeniable. “That’s insane,” Kelce remarked, noting that Barkley’s ability to consistently get close to the goal line speaks to his determination and ability to find space where others might not.
A Strong Case for MVP
As the season progresses, Saquon Barkley’s case for MVP continues to grow stronger. He’s already racked up 1,137 yards and eight touchdowns, just 175 yards shy of his career high. With six or seven games remaining, if Barkley continues to perform at this level, he’ll have a legitimate shot at becoming the first non-quarterback to win MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012.
In a league where quarterbacks often dominate the MVP race, Kelce’s comments highlight the growing recognition of Barkley’s importance to the Eagles’ offense. If the Eagles continue to succeed with a balanced offensive attack, there’s a strong argument to be made that Saquon Barkley has been the catalyst for much of that success.
Conclusion: The Steal of the Year
Jason Kelce’s praise for Saquon Barkley isn’t just about his ability to rack up yards or score touchdowns—it’s about the intangible qualities he brings to the team. From his vision and patience to his ability to make explosive plays, Barkley has proven himself to be one of the NFL’s most dominant and versatile players. As the MVP conversation heats up, it’s clear that Barkley belongs in the discussion, and if he continues to perform at this level, we might just see a running back make history once again. As Kelce put it, “The Eagles just stole from the entire NFL,” and Saquon Barkley is proving every week why he’s one of the most valuable players in the league.
