Now, before you begin reading this article, yes, the title is a rhetorical question. Of course New York Giants‘ star running-back Saquon Barkley can improve beyond his electric 2018 season.
A campaign in which he gained over 2,000 all-purpose yards and broke a Giants record for the most receptions for a running-back in team history. His season was “Rookie of the Year” quality, and he won that award too. All-in-all, Barkley is a walking trophy. A player that will break records for years to come and will dazzle us with blinding excitement week-in and week-out.
Racking up 1,307 rushing yards with 11 scores all but complements his 721 receiving yards and 4 receiving touchdowns. His statistics don’t tell the full story, though, as his leadership and abnormal personality at just 21-years-old isn’t just generational, it’s centurial.
The Giants have a player that will put his foot down and perform in any game, anywhere, anytime, and in any form of weather. A true brute than delivers devastating blows on each and every play.
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But the most impressive aspect of Barkley is the balance he acquires as an athlete. His upper body is so strong that he can shrug off 250-pound men without losing a step. His lower body is so rugged that arm tackles can be compared to throwing twigs at his massive thighs.
These physical traits aren’t teachable, they’re simply a product of the unknown.
Can Saquon Barkley improve as a player?
While we did see what’s likely to be a perennial Hall of Famer in Barkley, there’s always something to improve upon. Whether it be making the right decisions with the ball in your hands – picking the right holes, or jumping out-of-bounds instead of taking a big hit. Those are inexperience flaws, nothing that can’t be fixed with a few games notched on his belt.
The only real flaw Barkley has is consistently blocking incoming rushers and finding his assigned man in traffic. He improved throughout the season and didn’t look back in 2018, which is something you don’t see in players often. A keen ability to learn and never make the same mistake again. He breaks lengthy habits overnight, a rare learning ability.
So yes, there is room for development in regard to the prized running-back, and I don’t think we’ve seen anywhere near his ceiling.