New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has said it before and on Wednesday he said it again: If you doubt him or hate on him, keep that same energy when he returns to dominance.
“I think I said it before, when the tables turn, just make sure you’re on the side of that table. Just stay on that side,” Barkley told reporters.
In order for Barkley to turn the tables, he must buck a recent injury trend and stay on the field. And the good news is that he’s feeling as healthy as ever. At least for now.
“I’ll tell you, I feel a lot better than I felt at this point last year,” Barkley said. “My body feels good. My body feels strong. Feel like I got my strength back. Feel like I got my speed back. Feel like I can trust my knee again, trust myself to make plays and not think about it.
“Got to keep going, got to keep pushing myself, keep working to get stronger, get faster, but also maintain the strength and maintain being healthy throughout this break so I can come in at a high note for camp and for the season.”
The Giants could certainly use the Barkley of old, especially considering Brian Daboll’s offense is specifically designed for him to succeed — and not just as a running back. Throughout OTAs and minicamp camp, Barkley has been used all over the field and has seen an increased number of reps at wide receiver.
“I think Saquon is a unique guy. You move him in different spots, that makes other guys have to learn other spots, too. It really falls on the five eligible receivers or the personnel groups you hope to utilize,” Daboll said. “He’s got good hands, he’s a good route runner, a good runner. Try to use him the best way we can.”
While Saquon has been busy picking the brain of veteran center Jon Feliciano in regards to blocking schemes, he’s also been dedicating extra time to his route running and hands. He anticipates his 2022 production will be wide-ranging.
“I think it’s helpful, not only for myself but opening up other things for the offense. That’s something that I’ve been aware is kind of more — haven’t really moved like this since college,” Barkley said. “Kind of went back and watched a little bit of my college stuff to see stuff that I was able to do there and transition, bringing it here.
“I’m excited. Dabes, Kaf, all the guys on the offense, all the coaches, they’ve been doing an amazing job this camp, and we’re just going to take it one day at a time.”
