New York Giants news, 11/22 – Saquon Barkley can’t see himself in the film, blames distractions

New York Giants, Saquon Barkley

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

“I allowed, I don’t know what it was, for me not to be me,” New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley said after re-watching his 13-carry, one-yard performance against the Jets two weeks ago.

Whether it be the media or a lingering high ankle sprain that forced Barkley to miss extended time earlier in the season, the star back has not played up to his potential. The usual electric runs and shifty moves have evaded Barkley, and his ability to bounce the ball outside and shed tackles has been absent, forcing rookie passer, Daniel Jones, to take on a majority of the load.

Barkley may be suffering from sophomore slump disease, a deadly illness that plagues players in their second year at the professional level. The former No. 2 overall pick hasn’t been the same since the ankle sprain, and his offensive line hasn’t done him any favors, but the reality is, Barkley is good enough to work around a lousy front-five, as we saw last season.

There’s no excuse for him to be recording one rushing yard on 13 carries, despite taking solace in a Barry Sanders 13-carry, negative one yard game years ago. Sanders and Barkley have been compared continuously since the latter’s inception into the NFL last season.

Barkley hasn’t seen ‘himself’ on film, and that’s the scariest thing for the young back. He seems bothered, disarmed, even worried about his lack of production. The twitch in his eye and the nervousness in the way he speaks tells an untold story only he knows.

The New York Giants need Saquon Barkley to be the best version of himself, and when he’s confident, his ability to take over a game is a matter of “when.” With Big Blue preparing to face off against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Barkley could use a big game to get back to his old ways.

Nonetheless–

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