The NY Giants are once again 0-2, and must rely on several top stars to help keep the season from completely coming undone
It was always important for NY Giants fans to guard themselves with realistic expectations heading into the 2021 season.
Especially because the NY Giants are led by a second-year coach, a battling young QB, a RB coming back from a near career-ending injury – in short, a lot of question marks.
Yet when looking at the Giants‘ roster, it’s clear there is a foundation of talent.
Now after opening the season 0-2, the NY Giants need to rely on the progress of these six players if they’re going to save their season.
NY Giants must prioritize their ground game: Enter Saquon Barkley
Without a respectable ground game to keep opposing defenses honest, the Giants (with their persistent offensive woes) will have a nearly impossible time orchestrating an effective passing game to last for the duration of the season.
Week 2’s performance in the Nation’s Capital was a reminder that Daniel Jones is capable of throwing the football without committing any turnovers. Though he was far from perfect, the team’s loss can be attributed in some ways to Saquon Barkley’s inability to get going, rather than Jones’ inability to perform under center.
Passing grades among NFL quarterbacks, per @PFF:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 20, 2021
1. Tom Brady (91.8)
2. Daniel Jones (85.4) pic.twitter.com/N9ioCTvz09
No. 26 remains a fan favorite for his elite level of play, which was unfortunately derailed after sustaining a season-ending ACL injury last year during a Week 2 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
Understandably so, his first two weeks back have been slow-going: a 3.6 average yard-per-gain on 23 attempts and 3 receptions for 13 yards.
While much of this mediocrity can be pinned at the weak feet of Barkley’s porous offensive line, Saquon owns his performance, or lack thereof.
"It's important to get the run game going. That's what we gotta do. As a leader and the running back, that's on me. I'm going to take that one right there" - Saquon Barkley on the Giants' run game tonight pic.twitter.com/BMHlMvqmNo
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 17, 2021
Although his return from such a significant injury earns him some time and patience from the fans to reacclimate to the fast-paced action on the field, even the staunchest Big Blue supporters have their breaking points – and losing only exacerbates that growing sense of impatience.
However, if there’s any player who can follow in the footsteps of Adrian Peterson’s remarkable comeback season from a similar injury in 2012, it’s Barkley.
After a rough first two weeks though, it’s even more of a fantasy to hope for Peterson’s numbers to surface through Barkley’s play. But even finding his old spark could surely put him close to a 1,000-yard rushing season – and provide the key to a winning football season.