The NY Giants look like they are all geared up and ready to make a statement in 2023. As the draft has come and gone, and new pieces have been brought in this offseason, the roster is starting to rapidly take shape as we approach the summer months. One big development as of late has been the drama between the Giants and star running back Saquon Barkley.
The drama started with the franchise tag placement on Barkley. This came shortly after quarterback Daniel Jones got his new deal of four years, $160 million. There is still plenty of time to iron out a new deal, as both sides have until July 17 to make any headway. Giants GM Joe Schoen is open to talking to Barkley about an extension, but let's just hope for all our sakes that it is resolved long before training camp begins.
When the 2023 season does get underway, what kind of a season could Barkley have? It was a career year for him in '22, but can he improve upon it?
Dexter Lawrence believes Saquon Barkley "is going to get what he deserves."
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) May 5, 2023
Why?
"He’s a great player. He’s a great leader for us. One of the top players on the team. I’m excited to see what’s up for him."
Giants put franchise tag on Barkley earlier this offseason.
Saquon Barkley will put up career-high numbers for the Giants in 2023
Attempts | Yards | YPG | AVG | TD | Catches | Yards | REC TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
342 | 1,915 | 112.6 | 5.6 | 18 | 31 | 323 | 3 |
It is all systems go for Barkley and the Giants in 2023. With a playoff appearance and a win under their belt from last campaign, the expectation is that they will be better this season. As things stand, Barkley is set to play on the franchise tag. However, all signs are pointing to something getting done soon in terms of his new contract. And with that, Saquon will live up to the hype in '23.
My prediction is that he will put up outstanding numbers, and will shatter a big record along the way. The big record here is the most rushing yards in a single season by a Giants running back, which is held by Tiki Barber. In 2005, Barber set the record with 1,860 rushing yards, and the only other back to come close since was Barkley last season with 1,312 yards.
To overcome 500+ yards is surely a tough task, but a doable one for a player of Saquon's caliber. We think he'll finish with 1,915 rushing yards and a mind-blowing 18 touchdowns in '23.
Another thing to note here is that even with the influx of new talent in the passing game, Barkley will still get his touches. After signing his big deal, and getting a new center in the draft to protect him in John Michael Schmitz, Daniel Jones should be using his arm more than his legs in '23. That gives a bit more touches to No. 26
It is a large feat for Barkley, and of course, his health will be the main focus. Obviously, the passing game will be a large portion of the offense, as there are a plethora of targets for Jones to sling the ball around to. But, if Barkley can help control the flow of the game by establishing an aggressive run game, there will be a lot more Ws than Ls in '23.
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