The timing couldn’t have been better for Saquon Barkley and the Giants. The team went into New Orleans this week, winless and hurting.
For the Giants, this was a game where playmakers needed to step up and lead the way. Barkley, one of the team captains, delivered the goods. His six-yard touchdown run sealed a thrilling 27-21 overtime win over the Saints.
The win for the Giants (1-3) was their first of the season. All the talk of what’s wrong with this team, and there’s some issues, can quiet down at least for a week.
Quarterback Daniel Jones, another team captain, threw for 402 yards (28-for-40) with 2 touchdowns.
Kenny Golladay, the Giants’ lead receiver, pulled down six catches for 128 yards. Golladay’s playmaking helped stretch the field for the Giants, he averaged 19.8 yards per catch.
Rookie wide receiver Kadarius Toney brought his playmaking ability to the field this week with six catches for 72 yards.
With Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton unavailable, the Giants needed players to step up this week. Toney, along with wide receiver John Ross (three catches for 77 yards) delivered.
Barkley, respecting the process
Barkley is returning this season from a torn ACL, strained MCL and partially torn meniscus in his right knee. There’s been concern the Giants brought him along too quickly after a slow start.
Coming into Week 4, he was averaging just 3.4 yards per carry, with one touchdown. But the 24-year-old continues to put in the work. This week could be the payoff, it could be the green light Barkley has been patiently working towards.
In the win over New Orleans, Barkley ran for 54 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown. He added five catches for 74 yards, with another touchdown. He averaged 4.0 yards per carry and 14.8 yards per catch.
Most athletes returning from ACL surgery need at least a full year for a return to form. Barkley, for at least this week, looked every bit the game-breaking, playmaking, impact player we love watching.
And the Giants, for the first time this season, can enjoy how good it feels preparing for their next game coming off a victory.
