Having a stellar running game to go along with a solid passing game is the recipe for success in the NFL. The New York Giants are lucky enough to have both, starting in 2018. The drafting of running back Saquon Barkley puts the offensive unit in a whole different stratosphere, since Eli Manning has never had a back as good as Barkley. He will open up the offense and keep the opposing defense honest as they attempt to cover Odell Beckham Jr., Evan Engram, and Sterling Shepard.
It’s simply impossible to cover four players that often draw double teams. It will force defenses to assign Barkley to linebackers, and we all know how that will turn out.
According to tight end, Evan Engram, Barkely is going to revolutionize the offense:
“You look at teams with a solid running game, and great running backs, it opens the door for a lot of things in the passing game,” Engram said, according to NJ Advance Media. “Especially over the middle of the field, because that’s where a lot of tight ends get their production. It’s exciting. I’m excited to see him make the transition. I’m excited to get to work with him, and kind of give some veteran advice for him.”
According to general manager Dave Gettleman, Barkley was the best athlete coming out of college in the past 30 years. His measurables were off the charts as he recorded more bench reps than most offensive lineman and ran a sub 4.4 40 yard-dash at 234 pounds. His talents are unique and generations, just take a gander at this ridiculous clip.
Saquon Barkley is unreal ? pic.twitter.com/ql69zGIvXD
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 8, 2018
“Saquon’s a great player,” Engram said. “He’s an all-around back. He’s going to come in and help us immediately. We just have to get him in there, keep learning the offense, and start getting the chemistry going with everybody.”
Making the transition to a new offensive scheme is never easy, but it’s surely exciting when you have a few new faces that make the entire unit better. Pat Shurmur will bring over a playbook that utilizes the strengths of each player. Consider the fact that he made undrafted quarterback Case Keenum a star with the Minnesota Vikings. With players like Barkley, OBJ, Engram, and Shepard, the sky is the limit.