Is Saquon Barkley the New York Giants’ best receiver?

In today’s NFL, running backs might not have the most value, but certainly can be a miss-match nightmare for defenses. New York Giants’ Saquon Barkley is among the few running backs in the league who can line up out wide and make big-time plays as a wide receiver.

Over the past two seasons, The New York Giants’ receiver core had trouble staying on the field. In 2018, Saquon Barkley never missed a game playing all 16.

Saquon’s 2018 Receiving Stats Vs. The Giants Receiver Stats

In Saquon’s rookie season (2018), he led the team in receptions (91) and was targeted 121 times for a total of 721 yards! This would tie the previous reception record set by Odell Beckham Jr. in his rookie season (2014). With a struggling offensive line, Giants receivers saw fewer opportunities in 2018. Odell had 77 (REC) and was targeted 124 times, Sterling Shepard had 66 (REC) and was targeted 107 times, and Evan Engram had 45 (REC) and was targeted 65 times in 11 games. For a running back to have 91 receptions and lead the team in receptions is unheard of!

In week three of the 2018 season, Saquon would line up as a receiver and make a big-time catch on 3rd down! This spectacular play by Saquon took away any chance of a Houston comeback.

Not all running backs in the league can perform a spin move on a defender and create separation at the same time. Saquon Barkley is just that good! Throughout the rest of the 2018 season, Barkley would be a problem for defensive backs, Linebackers, and even safties!

This 18-yard reception on 3rd down is yet again another great play to add onto the highlight-reel. To add on, Barkley added a little spin move to gain a few extra yards, a true weapon in the passing and run game.

How is this even possible, a running back who weighs over 230 Lbs to jump that high is incredible! I remember watching this game live and saying to myself “wow that was so casual for Barkley, seems like he wasn’t even trying.”

All of these clips are from the 2018 season alone, the next video demonstrates the full package of Saquon Barkley game.

When I was watching this game live, I couldn’t believe my eyes! Even with the New York Giants not being a playoff team in 2018, Barkley gave the fans a lot of memories and plays that were jaw-dropping!

Saquon’s 2019 Receiving Stats Vs. Giants’ Receivers

The 2019 season for Saquon Barkley as some would say was a down year. Even though Saquon missed three games, he was second on the team in receptions (52) and had 438 (REC YDS). With those 52 receptions, he was only five short on Sterling Shepard (57).  Not to forget, Golden Tate had to serve a four-game suspension at the begging of the season. He would also miss time with a concussion late on in the season.

Like I said earlier, Saquon Barkley can do it all. This play vs. the Lions in the 2019 season showed off Barkley’s strengths and his ability to stiff-arm defenders out of his way. It doesn’t matter if it’s one defender or multiple, Barkley is a miss-match nightmare for all defenses he faces off against.

Just look at how much the man can squat! The Giants’ are lucky to have him, get ready to see a lot more of Barkley in the passing game under Garrett’s offensive system.