In 2019, Giants RB Dion Lewis, who played for the Titans, was the backup to the NFL’s leading rusher, Derrick Henry, and in 2020, Lewis is coming to New York to backup another great RB in Saquon Barkley.
The 29-year-old Lewis, who signed a one-year deal to join the Giants and reunite with his coach in New England, Joe Judge, believes he has a lot to offer the Giants, but he knows that a player of Barkley’s caliber should be on the field very often.
“With a player like Saquon, you want him on the field as much as possible,” Lewis said via a conference call on Friday. “He is one of the better backs in this league, and I understand that. I’m just going to work hard, do whatever the coaches ask me to do, compete every day and try to figure it out that way instead of going in there with hopes or what I think is going to happen. I’m just going to do what I’ve always done, go in there compete, work hard, build relationships in the running back room and take it from there.”
Because Lewis did not get a lot of snaps in 2019, he feels his body is in good shape heading into next season, and he is willing to do whatever he has to do for the Giants to be successful in 2020.
“My body feels pretty well,” Lewis said. “I didn’t take too much of a pounding last year. My body is relatively fresh. Whatever they need me to do. I keep myself in great shape, I pride myself on taking care of my body. I feel like I still can play, I can do the things I am accustomed to doing, I still can make guys miss. Whatever they need me to do, if my number is called, I’ll be ready. Whatever they need me to do or how much they need me to do it. I’ll be open to whatever they want me to do.”
It should be interesting to see how much Lewis has left; he did not put up a lot of numbers last season(209 rushing yards, 25 catches for 164 yards, and one touchdown). But based on how much and how well Henry played last season, it’s understandable; however, in 2018, Lewis had 59 receptions for 400 yards and one touchdown and ran for 517 yards with one touchdown, so if he has the opportunity, maybe Lewis can still get it done.
