Virtually, Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones like what they’ve seen so far of the new Giants’ offense.
Learning a new system comes with the territory for pro athletes. They have to know how to adapt and be open to change. It helps, however, when the new system administrator has a resume of success with that system.
Barkley and Jones, the faces of the team, are getting a virtual introduction to a new offensive system installed by new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.
For the casual Giants’ fan, that’s been sleeping under a rock until football is officially back, Garrett is also the former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Yes, the same division rival — Dallas Cowboys.
Garrett’s run as head coach in Dallas had it’s fair share of criticism. But while some of his in-game decisions, and post-season struggles, ultimately contributed to his exit — his offense can put points on the board.
The Dallas offense led the league in yards per game, last season. They were second in the league in passing yardage, fifth in rushing yardage, and sixth in points per game.
Those Garrett-led Cowboys teams could put up points.
And it doesn’t take a football wizard to know the Giants’ offense has struggled in recent years to do much of, well, anything.
Garrett won’t have Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, or that super-talented offensive line. But, what he does have is a fresh template to work from.
Barkley is already a great running back and Jones showed enough promise last season as a young quarterback. The offensive line is a work in progress, but there’s potential within the unit.
The Giants, like all NFL teams, continue working remotely while their headquarters are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jones and Barkley, on separate Zoom calls with the media, offered positive reviews on Garrett’s system.
“I think the biggest thing is it’s been successful,” Jones said. “It’s scored a lot of points and gained a lot of yards. When you compare it to, I’ve only played in the NFL for one year, so there’s a lot out there I haven’t done, there’s a lot out there I don’t know. … But the system has been successful.”
Jones, in 13 games last season as a rookie, threw for 3,027 yards and 24 touchdowns. Garrett’s work with Tony Romo is an excellent case study for Jones to pull from.
Jones has already established contact with Romo.
“I spoke with Tony briefly, but we didn’t get into the system a whole lot,” said Jones. “I look forward to talking to some of those guys and hearing their perspective on it.”
It’s a fresh canvas for Garrett to work with…
Barkley has a skill set that jumps off the page for a coach with Garrett’s abilities. In Dallas, Elliott rushed for 5,405 yards and 40 touchdowns playing for Garrett in his first four NFL seasons.
Elliott parlayed those numbers into a big-money contract. Barkley’s time to get paid is quickly approaching, what Garrett brings to the table will help him secure a big payday.
“I don’t think I get excited just because of how successful Zeke has been,” Barkley said. “Just how successful Dallas has been in recent years. Obviously, kind of just meeting coaches and talking to coaches and getting to know them, I’m kind of just more excited for that. It’s a fresh start, it’s a new start. You learn a new system, kind of feel like a rookie again. Obviously, you understand football a little more than you probably would coming from college into the NFL, but I’m really excited to just attack it and get ready for it when an opportunity presents itself.”
It’s a waiting game for all of us on when players can return to the field. Until then, Jones and Barkley will continue soaking up as much of Garrett’s playbook the virtual world will allow.
So far, so good.
