After leading their teams to the playoffs, Saquon Barkley and Pat Surtain II were recognized as the top players on offense and defense, respectively. Barkley, a running back, signed a three-year contract with the Eagles during the offseason after the New York Giants, their division rivals, chose to part ways with him. This decision has proven to be a significant setback for the Giants and a major win for the Eagles.
Barkley made history by becoming the ninth player to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, and had he not rested in Week 18, he might have set the record. Although this accolade is based solely on regular season performance, Barkley is just 30 yards shy of breaking the record for the most rushing yards in a season, including playoffs. Over the course of 19 games this season, including postseason play, he has accumulated 2,447 rushing yards and scored 18 touchdowns, with five touchdowns coming in his last two games. He has rushed for over 100 yards in 12 of those games and surpassed the 200-yard mark twice.
This marks the first time since 2005 and 2006 that a running back has won the award in consecutive seasons, with Shaun Alexander and LaDainian Tomlinson being the previous recipients. On the defensive side, Surtain became the first defensive back to earn the award since Stephon Gilmore in 2019, showcasing his ability to lock down top receivers throughout the season. He recorded four interceptions, returning them for an NFL-leading 132 yards. Surtain has made his third consecutive Pro Bowl and has been named a First-team All-Pro for the second time in three years.
Quarterbacks had a combined passer rating of 59.1 when targeting Surtain, ranking as the third-lowest in the league, behind only Derek Stingley Jr. and Marlon Humphrey. Surtain is now the 12th cornerback to receive this honor. Both players expressed their gratitude to God upon receiving their awards, although Barkley was not present as he prepares for the upcoming big game on Sunday.
