5 NY Giants responsible for getting Big Blue back to the playoffs

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, right, and general manager Joe Schoen hold a press conference before the first day of training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford on Wednesday, July 27, 2022.Nfl Giants Training Camp
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, right, and general manager Joe Schoen hold a press conference before the first day of training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford on Wednesday, July 27, 2022.Nfl Giants Training Camp
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Dec 11, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

3. RB Saquon Barkley

In similar fashion to Jones, Saquon Barkley was coming off a season in which many fans began to doubt his abilities. However, after this season, it seems as if Barkley is here to stay whether you like it or not.

Considering how horrid the offensive line looked at times throughout the campaign, combined with some clear in-season injuries he was dealing with, it’s pretty impressive just how good of a season Barkley had.

Through 16 games, Barkley has run the ball 295 times for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns, in addition to catching the ball 57 times for 338 yards. Barkley was the catalyst of this Giants offense for the majority of the season.

It is rare to see a running back look close to as good as they used to be after suffering an ACL tear, however, after going through that, and more injuries last season, Barkley had his best campaign in 2022 since his rookie year.

Barkley made his first Pro Bowl since 2018 and has a very good chance of making his first All-Pro team. While Kafka has begun to lean more on Jones as the season has progressed, this does not make Barkley any less important, and it is very likely that we see some big-time runs from the 25 year old come playoff time.

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