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Saquon Barkley has got to be worried about NY Giants’ offensive line

By Matt Lombardo

Devontae Booker, of the New York Giants, tries to run past the New England Patriots defense. Sunday, August 29, 2021Giants
Devontae Booker, of the New York Giants, tries to run past the New England Patriots defense. Sunday, August 29, 2021Giants /
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If Saquon Barkley returns for Week 1 against the Broncos, the NY Giants offensive line’s inability to create running lanes has to be a major concern 

There’s a chance the NY Giants could get Saquon Barkley back in time for Sunday’s Week 1 clash with the Denver Broncos, but even if the star running back is on the field, the offensive line in front of him may limit his effectiveness.

It’s no secret that the NY Giants complacency this offseason with the offensive line has cast doubt around the potential of a star-studded collection of offensive skill players, following a dreadful training camp and preseason.

But, as Pro Football Focus points out, the running backs who inherited Barkley’s workload during the preseason were done no favors by the line charged with creating running lanes for them to work with.

Here are the yards before contact for Devontae Booker, Gary Brightwell and Corey Clement (since released) from the preseason finale against the New England Patriots:

Devontae Booker: 0.57 yards prior to contact

Elijhaa Penny: 4 yards prior to contact

Gary Brightwell: 0.00 yards prior to contact

Suboptimal.

Fortunately, the Broncos could prove a soft landing for the NY Giants in the opener, after Ed Donatell’s defense allowed 130 rushing yards per game last season.

But, during last season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Barkley averaged negative -0.7 yards prior to contact, so limited room to operate is nothing new for Barkley.

However, if the NY Giants are going to establish a tone running the football and keep Denver’s high-octane offense on the sideline, the offensive line is going to need play significantly better than it has all summer.

Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com.

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