Giants star adds another feather to his cap following latest rankings
Saquon Barkley has garnered a reputation around the league for being a "big play-back." And while that's a good thing in the eyes of many, it's a shot at his down-in and down-out consistency. Following Next Gen Stats' latest look at the most explosive runners from 2022, that narrative may only continue to build. Barley […]
Saquon Barkley has garnered a reputation around the league for being a "big play-back."
And while that's a good thing in the eyes of many, it's a shot at his down-in and down-out consistency.
Following Next Gen Stats' latest look at the most explosive runners from 2022, that narrative may only continue to build.
Barley ranked seventh on the list when analyzing the top 10 explosive runners in the league last season. NGS used objective data formed around speed from 2022. Here were Barkley's numbers:
- Explosive score: 85
- 10+ yard runs: 32
- 10+ pct: 10.8%
- 15+ mph runs: 48
- 15+ mph pct: 16.3%
To break 15mph on 48 runs throughout the season speaks to Barkley's homerun threat. He is one of the best I have ever witnessed at "stepping on the gas" if you will, hitting zero to 60 in a blink. Nick Shook of NFL Media further contextualized the ranking, saying:
Finishing with the second-most gains of 10-plus yards over expected (17) didn't hurt Barkley’s case for this list, nor did his six runs of 20-plus mph. Despite a lengthy lower-body injury history, Barkley consistently proved he had rediscovered the explosive abilities that led to his selection as the No. 2 overall pick of the 2018 draft. It came at a good time, too, as Barkley was in a contract year. Barkley's 2022 performance showed that the Giants shouldn't give up on him. After receiving the franchise tag this offseason, he now has to prove he can maintain that level in 2023.
The re-emergence of Barkley could in fact not have come at a better time, and it's probably the sole reason he has yet to sign a long-term deal or his franchise tag with the Giants, as he has proven to be just as dynamic as ever.
But here's the issue. A pessimist will point to the fact that Barkley has sustained serious injuries and has a playstyle that relies on generating "wow" plays rather than one that gains the "tough" yards.
Pair that with the issue that running backs generally have the shortest shelf life of any position in the league, and you can see why the Giants have been hesitant to shelve out a hefty contract.
But Barkley proved that when healthy, he's still a top 3 back in the NFL at worst, even battling others for the pole position in terms of overall usage in both the run and pass game.
So while the waiting game continues to wage on, this latest set of rankings may do more harm than good, even if they spotlight the rare ability that Barkley displays each and every Sunday.
Featured image via: © Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
