NFL 100: Expectations for the league's centennial season

#2 Saquon Barkley becomes the new face of the running back position and the Giants roster

Saquon Barkley

Ever since his name and game broke out at Penn State, Saquon Barkley has been idolized as a player of incredible ability, with some comparing him to the Lions great Barry Sanders.

Since being selected in the NFL Draft by the New York Giants in 2018, Barkley hasn’t failed to live up to the hype. His physical stature and athleticism are two things that make him stand out. In just his rookie season, he set records for yards compiled by a rookie running back and was named the 2018-19 Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Another thing that makes Saquon Barkley stand out from the rest is his admirable professionalism both on and off the football field. When talking to the media, no question goes unanswered and his tone is both respectful and genial. He also isn’t afraid to be a voice for his football team whether required to or not.

Saquon Barkley has quickly become the face, if not one of the biggest faces, of the running back position, and this will only continue into his second year. However, in addition to this, he will need to accept the challenge of being the new face of the Giants franchise.

Entering this season, there is only one player who may stand in Barkley’s way of being the top name on the Giants roster, and that is Eli Manning. However, Manning is about to enter the 16th and probably his final season in New York, and at his age and level of mobility, it’s not certain how much longer he’ll command the Giants’ offense.

Concerning his mobility, Eli Manning will rely heavily on his running back at times to carry his team’s offensive production, especially in the first weeks with injuries and suspensions leading to the unavailability of some skilled players. Saquon Barkley must expect, pending the team’s offensive struggle don’t change, a lot of carries and as a result, another over 2000-yard season.

No longer does he have names like Odell Beckham Jr. to take some of the load off his shoulders. He does have respectable teammates in Golden Tate, Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram, but none have been consistent impact players thus far with the Giants. Teams with the Giants on their schedule will make sure a lot of their preparation is geared towards restricting Saquon Barkley.