USAT: Giants Wire audio clip

USAT: Giants Wire

Feb 12, 2022

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has been through the ringer since being selected second overall in the 2018 NFL draft. - In addition to his well-documented injuries, which include an ACL tear, Barkley will also be on his third head coach in 2022. That comes after the Giants decided to part ways with Joe Judge in January and hire Brian Daboll shortly thereafter. - Barkley also spent time under Pat Shurmur, who most recently served as offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos. - The turnover can certainly be trying, but Barkley remains optimistic — especially after meeting and speaking with Daboll. - “I love the energy, I love the conversation I had with him,” Barkley said, via the New York Post. “I think he and the GM Joe Schoen they’re doing an amazing job right now. I can’t wait to get back in April.” - One of Barkley’s biggest takeaways is the impression that Daboll is good at relating to his players. That was an issue under previous head coach Joe Judge despite the players’ respect for him. - “I think one, the energy that he’s bringing and the conversations about the way he’s going to relate the offense to the players and make the system work for the players,” Barkley added. “Obviously I think with Joe Schoen, what he’s going to do in free agency and the draft to build the team. I think we have the talent on the team. I truly don’t think we’re that far. We just have to keep working.” - As far as Barkley himself, his early offseason has been spent rehabbing — a common theme for him in recent years — and training. But things may change in the coming weeks as the Giants work to clear salary cap space. Could he be on the move? It’s a topic that hasn’t been discussed yet. - “We never really had that conversation,” Barkley said. “It was never really brought up like if I’m leaving or if I’m not going to stay. We just had a conversation, as normal.” - In all likelihood, Barkley will return to the Giants in 2022 and once again serve as their starting running back alongside quarterback Daniel Jones. But like Jones, it may be the final opportunity for Barkley to prove he’s worthy of a long-term deal. - Follow the Giants Wire Podcast: - Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Giants Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Giants Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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