New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The New York Giants currently sit at 2-5 after a hard-fought win against the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium. While it has often looked doom and gloom for Big Blue this year, there have been flashes of potential that show why this team was in the playoffs last year. It begins and ends with running back Saquon Barkley, who provides a dual threat that is essential to the Giants’ success.
After being sidelined with a sprained ankle against the Arizona Cardinals, the franchise running back would be shelved for three games. Without Barkley, the Giants averaged just over 10 points per game and looked stagnant on offense. The rushing attack was meager as New York averaged just over 75 yards per game. The lone time a rusher went over the 50-yard mark was quarterback Daniel Jones against the Seattle Seahawks. Needless to say, Barkley is the straw that stirs the drink of the Giants offense.
In his first game back against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6, the threat of Barkley allowed Tyrod Taylor — replacing the injured Daniel Jones — to utilize play-action and throw for 200 yards while the back carried the load on the ground with 24 attempts and 94 yards. The Giants‘ 317 total offensive yards was the first time they hit the 300-yard mark since Week 2 against the Cardinals.Â
As the Giants were able to establish the run game once again, that allowed head coach Brian Daboll to manage the game like he was able to do so often last season. If it wasn’t for the last-second stand made by Buffalo aided by a questionable missed call on the last play of the game, the Giants would be 3-1 with Barkley on the field this year. Although now sitting at 2-2 when he suits up, the winning formula seems to have been found in the…
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