The NY Giants made headlines this off-season while acquiring weapons for their offense, but the best play-maker on their roster has been grinding away with a comeback story for the ages looming on his mind. After a lost season due to a torn ACL, Saquon Barkley is ready to remind everyone of his greatness.
Detroit Lions’ linebacker/fullback, Jason Cabinda, saw Barkley’s preeminence first hand. The two were teammates from 2015-2017 at Penn State – Barkley’s offense and Cabinda’s defense combining to catapult the Nittany Lions back to prominence.
Their squads made history in Happy Valley – in their years together, Penn State had back to back eleven win seasons, won the coveted Big 10 Championship and capped it all off with a 35-28 victory over Washington in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl.
Cabinda’s unique perspective on Barkley’s greatness provides insight on a superstar he’s been able to get closer to than most. The former teammate of the running back joined The Matt Lombardo Show, where he spoke on what makes Barkley such a special talent.
"“It’s really his combination of size and speed. For how big he is, he’s probably about 230 pounds and to be able to run the way he does, to cut on a dime, his body control is very unique,” said Cabinda. “That really makes him tough to handle on defense. He’s the type of guy you can’t let get into space.”"
Barkley’s NFL career started off with a bang – a rookie season for the ages that resulted in him being named the 2018 NFL Rookie of the Year. After a recent string of bad luck with injuries, the Giants’ running-back will be trying to return his name to the position group’s upper echelon.
Cabinda compared Barkley to the league’s best – choosing the top three backs in the NFL today. Despite his injury history, the Detroit Lion put his former teammate up there with players like reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Derrick Henry.
"“That’s a tough one. If everyone is healthy, my top-three running backs with no order whatsoever … I’d say; Derrick Henry, Saquon, and I’m really between Alvin Kamara and Dalvin Cook,” Cabinda stated.” Alvin has some great balance. Honestly, I’ve never seen balance like his. It’s fun to watch.”"
If Barkley can return to form, Cabinda won’t be the only one putting him on a pedestal. After seeing videos of his insane workouts throughout his road to recovery, the Giants’ electrifying running-back may shatter any and all expectations for him.
You can listen to the entire interview with Cabinda, along with insight on the NFL Draft, on the latest episode of The Matt Lombardo Show.