That running back Saquon Barkley played 13 games last season is a positive sign for the New York Giants.
His stats may not be as impressive as his first two years, but seeing him healthy is what’s important.
The team hopes that he can build from there and regain his old form.
After all, he is unstoppable when at peak form.
He had 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns in his rookie year, followed by 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in year two.
The NFL on CBS’s Twitter page also shared a fascinating stat about the 2018 Pro Bowler.
Most 50+ Yard Plays from Scrimmage in a season among RB since 2013
Saquon Barkley 8 (2018)
Saquon Barkley 5 (2019)
Jonathan Taylor 4 (2021)
Derrick Henry 4 (2019)
Kareem Hunt 4 (2017)
Mark Ingram 4 (2017) pic.twitter.com/deEQ7j1csT— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) June 8, 2022
They pointed out that Barkley had the most plays of at least 50 yards from scrimmage among running backs since 2013.
He had eight of those in 2018 and five in 2019.
Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, Kareem Hunt, and Mark Ingram had four apiece in their respective seasons.
Unfortunately, that explosiveness seems to be a distant memory, especially after he suffered an ACL injury two games into the 2020 season.
A Make-Or-Break Season For Barkley
Barkley should head into the 2022 season with high hopes because they will have an offensive-minded head coach in Brian Daboll.
Certainly, the former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator would like Barkley to become a reliable contributor.
But he should have additional motivation knowing that he’s in the final year of his contract.
The Giants exercised their fifth-year option on him, giving him a fully guaranteed $7.2 million.
However, he must prove that he’s back in his dominating shape if he wants a contract extension.
Otherwise, it would be difficult for him to get a lucrative deal anywhere.
Worst yet, no NFL team might gamble on him if his old form is gone.
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