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Saquon Barkley Looks To Bring Swagger Back

When Saquon Barkley was drafted No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, the New York Giants former general manager Dave Gettleman, told the media the running back has skills as if he were, “Touched by the hands of God.”

In his rookie campaign, Barkley looked as advertised, winning the Rookie of the Year award and posting some astonishing stats.

In 16 full games he played as a rookie, Barkley had 261 rushing attempts, 1307 rushing yards, a 5.0 yards per carry average, 11 rushing touchdowns, 91 receptions, 721 receiving yards, four receiving touchdowns, and zero fumbles. Unfortunately, since then, he suffered some injuries that caused him to miss 21 games over the next three seasons. Now, some of the Giants' fanbase is left questioning  if the team should move on from this once highly coveted running back.

Last year during camp and preseason games, Barkley didn’t have that look in his eyes of confidence. That swagger seems to have returned so far this year. You can see that “dawg” or that “swagger” in his face that oozes of confidence, something fans have not seen since his rookie season.

Why Has Barkley's Swagger Returned?

Well maybe it's because he is for the first time in three seasons, feeling fully healthy, being that most experts say it takes a full season or two to feel fully recovered physically and mentally from a torn ACL that he suffered in week 2 against the Chicago Bears in the 2020 season. Or maybe it’s the way new head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka plan to use him, which is in space where he can do much damage to opposing defenses. Or is it that the New York Giants finally acquired some “dirtbags,” as the coaching staff has referred to the new look offensive line.

The Giants finally brought in some mauling offensive linemen such as Mark Glowinski, Jamil Douglas, John Feliciano, and drafted Evan Neal from Alabama No. 7 overall. Additionally, they have added blocking tight ends in Daniel Bellinger and Jeremiah Hall.

Whatever the reason, Barkley looks as confident as he did in his rookie season. This could be just what the New York Giants need as they try to build a winning team after three dreadful seasons under the Dave Gettleman regime.

A healthy and confident Saquon Barkley could spell trouble for the rest of the NFL and maybe, just maybe he will prove that he does have the talent as if he were, “touched by the hands of God," We shall see.

I believe Barkley will have a monster year in what is a contract year for him. My expectations for him this season are 2000 yards from scrimmage, rushing and receiving, being that true weapon we imagined him to be when the Giants drafted him No. 2 overall!