With Giants RB Saquon Barkley fully healthy, many believe he could have a big season for New York in 2020. However, on Monday night, he struggled, and ultimately the Giants would fall to the Steelers 26-16 in the team’s season-opener at MetLife Stadium.
The third-year running back, who struggled with an ankle injury last season, did not have many holes against Pittsburgh’s defense and had 15 carries for only six yards.
“We just have to go back and watch the film and learn,” Barkley said after the game. “Something I’m proud about with the team today is the way we fought, especially when we were hit with adversity. We just have to go back and watch film, continue to believe in each and come ready to work next week and get ready for Chicago.”
Many can blame the offensive line for Barkley’s subpar stats, but according to Barkley, he has to be better.
“I have to be better, I have to be better for the team,” he said. “We have to find a way to get the run game going. That’s how I truly believe. I have to go back and watch film to give you an honest answer. I can’t just talk off of emotions. One thing that just pops in my mind is find a way to get the run game going for this team. I know that’s going to be a key part of our success. I truly believe, and I still believe in it. Keep grinding at it, keep working at it, and find a way.”
While the Giants struggled on the ground against Pittsburgh, head coach Joe Judge believes the team needs to stay aggressive with the run game.
“You know, every week is going to be a little bit of a different challenge based on the scheme we’re going to see, that’s obviously a very talented front we played tonight,” Judge said after the game. “But look, we’re going to stay aggressive with the run game. Saquon is a key part of our team, he’s going to be a difference-maker in how successful this team is going to be, so we’re going to stay with him. We have a lot of confidence in him, I have a tremendous amount of confidence in our offensive line.”
If the Giants want to have a successful season, Barkley and the offensive line will have to play better, but fortunately for New York, it’s only one game. so they have time to clean things up.
