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cover of episode The Big Suey: The MVP Case For Saquon Barkley (feat. Dianna Russini)

The Big Suey: The MVP Case For Saquon Barkley (feat. Dianna Russini)

2024/11/26
logo of podcast The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz

Key Insights

Why is Saquon Barkley considered a strong MVP candidate despite low betting odds?

Saquon Barkley is on pace for the greatest statistical season in running back history, with insane yards per carry and high output, making it look easy week in and week out. His performance is exceptional, but he's ranked 14th or 15th in MVP betting odds due to the NFL's bias towards quarterbacks.

Why do some argue that Saquon Barkley should not be the MVP?

Critics argue that the Eagles were already a good team before acquiring Barkley and were a play away from winning a Super Bowl without him. They believe the MVP should go to a quarterback because that position is the most important in sports.

How has Lane Johnson's performance compared to Trent Williams?

Lane Johnson has stats similar to Trent Williams, with no holding penalties and no sacks allowed, making him a beast on the offensive line. Both are considered among the best left tackles in football, though they should be appreciated as individuals rather than compared directly.

What is the current situation with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets?

Aaron Rodgers is dealing with injuries and has been banged up all season, but there's no formal injury report from the Jets. The team and Rodgers seem ready to move on from each other, with the Jets potentially considering benching him or putting him on IR. The situation is seen as a mutual breakup.

Why is Mike Vrabel not getting head coaching offers during the season?

Most teams prefer to wait until the season ends to make coaching changes, and Vrabel is currently a consultant for the Cleveland Browns, which requires other teams to go through a formal request process during the playoffs or in January.

How many teams might be interested in Aaron Rodgers if he leaves the Jets?

The number of interested teams depends on Rodgers' decision to continue playing and his assessment of his age and injury situation. He likely wants to avoid a disappointing end to his career and might seek a well-run organization for one more season.

Chapters

The discussion revolves around the underappreciation of running backs like Saquon Barkley in MVP discussions, despite their significant contributions to their teams.
  • Saquon Barkley is having an extraordinary statistical season.
  • He is undervalued in MVP betting odds, ranking around 14th or 15th.
  • The Eagles were successful before acquiring Barkley, but his addition has provided a new dimension.

Shownotes Transcript

Stugotz is going to be distracted all day as he monitors the sales of his Personal Record Book, but he's not going to apologize for that. That said, he does have the time to tell Lamar Jackson to do it in the playoffs even if he's headed toward winning a MVP. Speaking of MVP, Greg Cote thinks it's a shame Saquon Barkley has such low odds to win the award. Why can't we appreciate great running backs? Then, Tony delivers his Tony's Top 5 from the highest point in all of South Florida: the hill at Tropical Park. Tony touches Barkley and Brock Purdy and somehow celebrates a whole bunch of quarterbacks who lost games over the weekend. Plus, Dianna Russini is here to break down just how good Barkley and the Eagles are, Lane Johnson's impact, a QB who played like a "little chicken," Aaron Rodgers' market for next year, and tell us how she accidentally made Eric Mangini answer questions about coaching the Jets next season. She also offers praise for Stugotz's Personal Record Book and reads her blurb from the back cover.

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