1. Saquon Barkley helping out the aerial attack
After showing his receiving abilities off on Day 1. Saquon Barkley is looking like he may be a big piece of this receiving unit. This is obviously great news for head coach Brian Daboll, plus quarterback Daniel Jones.
Richie James lined up in the backfield, motions out. Saquon split out wide, gets the catch. Unpredictability of this offense has the potential to be so fun. pic.twitter.com/7A407kvPjl
— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) July 28, 2022
Barkley, when he was most effective, was both a receiving threat and a skilled runner. Through his first two seasons, Barkley recorded 143 receptions, 1,159 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns.
In his 13 appearances last season, he still looked to be a solid receiving option out of the backfield. He was targeted 57 times and finished with 41 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns.
Barkley is entering this season with a clear chip on his shoulder. As he enters the final year of his contract, he wants to prove that he is still capable of being the player he used to be.
"I know what I'm capable of doing, I know the talent that I have"
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 28, 2022
- @saquon pic.twitter.com/mYA3bYJqWt
Since being drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft, Barkley has had a career full of ups and downs. In his first two seasons, he was responsible for 3,469 yards from scrimmage and 23 total touchdowns.
In the two seasons since, Barkley has played in just 15 games. A torn ACL and ankle injuries have kept him from being at 100 percent. Since 2020, he’s totaled just 950 yards and four touchdowns from scrimmage. With how this new offense is utilizing Barkley, he could soon be returning to form.