The Giants’ Offensive Ineptitude Created a Monster for Saquon Barkley
Column - September 23, 2020
Without solving their weaknesses and despite knowing that opposing defenses had Saquon’s number, the Giants continued to push his reps and put pressure on him to be the guy within Jason Garrett’s offensive scheme. Unable to provide a block or establish gaps to run through, Barkley was hit with brick wall after brick wall against the Pittsburgh “Steel Curtain” and the dominant defensive front of Chicago. As his numbers faded into the negatives, the Giants thought eventually the breakout Saquon Barkley would return and spark the offensive flame.
Instead, it has done nothing but create a monster for Saquon Barkley and their team. On Sunday, in what would ultimately be a 17-13 loss to the Chicago Bears, the running back suffered a torn ACL, along with a sprained MCL, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The injury came early in the game when Barkley bounced off a low tackle and danced to the ground with Bears corner Eddie Jackson.
Clutching at his right knee while slamming his fist, out of acknowledgement of the injury suffered and the end of his season, the Giants have witnessed the beginning of a long period of uncertainty for one of their franchise players and a darkening of the already dim roadmap for their 2020 season. Staring at an 0-2 deficit, they now frantically turn to find a substitute.