If you haven’t been paying close attention, you likely have missed that NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley is putting on a show at minicamp thus far. This has been the case since OTAs, with Barkley moving more fluidly and reminding people of why the giants used a No. 2 overall pick on him.
It’s clear things were a nightmare for him working under former head coach Joe Judge and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. Now, head man Brian Daboll and new OC Mike Kafka are running the show and you know Barkley is happier than ever. Matter of fact, he made it obvious that he’s enjoying every minute of learning the new offense.
This one is really exciting for me. I've been waiting for the #Giants to utilize more of what made Barkley special at PSU w McSorley as Daniel Jones can do similar things. And couple that with what we've heard about Daboll using more run and shoot in the later BUF years. 🧑🍳🧑🍳 https://t.co/bMN5YLogu7
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) June 8, 2022
NY Giants RB Saquon Barkley is due for a big year in 2022
While meeting with the media at minicamp, Barkley said he hasn’t felt this way since he was still balling out for James Franklin and the Penn State Nittany Lions. While at PSU, Barkley was one of the top running backs in the country, leading to the Giants taking him No. 2 overall. Barkley was a force his rookie season, earning Pro Bowl honors.
Things have gone downhill ever since. Last season, his first since coming back from a torn ACL, Barkley just didn’t look the same and he was gobbled up early countless times trying to run behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. It was tough to watch, as you could tell just how frustrated Barkley was.
Now, though, it looks like the speedster is having fun again. More importantly, this new offense being implemented sure appears to fit his style. Barkley has been spotted catching way more balls and he’s running with some pep in his step. He looks learner too, which is of course a great thing to see.
People all over New York are hoping that Barkley can have a huge year in 2022. Could 1,500 all-purpose yards be on the way for him this fall and winter? You just never know what might happen now that Kafka will be running the offense. There are monster expectations for No. 26 this year and only time will tell if he lives up to the hype.
The fact that Barkley is feeling great in the offense and he’s got a big smile on his face is already a major win for Daboll. If the new head coach wants to help this team do a 180 in 2022, he’ll need Barkley to have a year to remember.