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By Michael Stewart/@golferbad

This is part 9 of 10 in a series of player spotlights as the New York Giants will rely on a productive running attack featuring running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley has rushed for over 1000 yards in each of his fist two seasons in the NFL, despite only playing in just 13 games last season. Barkley was plagued with a high ankle sprain that effected his mobility once he returned and the fact that he still manages to gain slightly over 1000 yards is a testament to his extreme talent.

It’s been reported that the Giants will run their offensive game plan around Barkley and re-establish the running game that has struggled prior to Barkley’s arrival and often times with Barkley. Barkley appears to be fully healthy and has proclaimed on having a break-out season in 2020. 

That’s great news for the Giants GM Dave Gettleman and Head Coach Joe Judge who made sure Barkley’s statement holds true by adding much-needed talent along the offensive line in the 2020 draft with Andrew Thomas, Matt Peart, and Shane Lemieux. Also, the addition of free agent Cameron Fleming adds depth at both tackle positions.

Final Thoughts: Many football analysts project Barkley to gain somewhere between 1400-1700 total yards in 2020; while a few have him tabbed as a possible MVP candidate with projections of over 2000 total yards from scrimmage. New Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett must be having déjà vu when he looks at Barkley and how he built the Cowboys offensive attack around Ezekiel Elliott.

Despite the talents of Elliott, many believe Barkley has much more versatility and Garrett will explore every facet of it. The Giants will be relying on the legs and the hands of Saquon Barkley and if they can run the ball consistently and regain their dominance at the line of scrimmage, not only will that help with time of possession; which will keep the defense fresh and less time on the field, but it will open up the passing game and make quarterback Daniel Jones job a lot easier.