The New York Giants find themselves at 2-8, with all eyes pointing towards the future. In the midst of another lost season, the main goal over the final six games will be to develop young players. The Giants should be doing everything in their power to secure a top draft pick while at the same time making sure their future playmakers are succeeding. But with this approach, that leaves a question of what to do with the veterans. For some, such as Nate Solder, Alec Ogletree, and Janoris Jenkins, it means they must keep working if they wish to be on the team in 2020. For others, mainly Saquon Barkley, it means resting for the future. Barkley is not only the Giants franchise running back, but he is their main playmaker. He must be healthy for the next five years for the team to succeed.
Why shutting down Saquon Barkley makes sense:
Barkley’s lack of full health
After Sunday’s game against the Jets, in which Barkley ran the ball 13 times for just a single yard, Head Coach Pat Shurmur said that Barkley ‘was not quite 100 percent’ during the game. The Giants were 2-7 going into the game with no hope of having a miraculous run to the postseason. There is no point in risking a career-threatening injury to your best player just to beat a one-win team.
The Giants’ poor play
Since Saquon Barkley went down with a high-ankle sprain in week three against Tampa Bay, the Giants have won just one game. They’ve lost six straight games and have completely spiraled out of contention for the 2019 season. The season’s main focus has now switched to developing Daniel Jones, the future quarterback of the franchise. Plenty of teams rest their best players when there is nothing to play for. The same should be done for Barkley.
His minimal impact since returning
Since Barkley returned from his ankle injury in week seven against Arizona, there has been a major drop-off in his production. Prior to his injury, he was averaging an impressive 6.03 yards per carry. In the four games since he returned, he has been averaging an abysmal 2.37 yards per carry. He has scored just two touchdowns in four games and has lacked his normal explosiveness.
With another lost season on hand, if the Giants want to truly play for the future, Barkley should be told to hang up his cleats. There is no point in running the risk of injuring your best playmaker just to win a few meaningless games. The Giants must embrace the situation and rest Barkley for the remainder of the season.