The Giants are finally in the win column, and Saquon Barkley finally put together a breakout game as his knee continues to feel stronger with each passing week.
Barkley totaled 52 rushing yards and a season-high 74 receiving yards to collect his most yards of offense so far this year, and added in the game-winning touchdown in overtime to take down the Saints on the road.
It was Barkley’s second touchdown of the afternoon, more than he had in three games to start the season.
“Personally, it definitely helps with your confidence, to be able to make some plays out there, especially in a game,” Barkley said. “Gotta be a little stronger on the one run, fumbled the ball, that’s not something I usually do. But it feels good. Feels good to get the win. Definitely builds my confidence up.”
Barkley’s knee looked strong on the last play of the game, cutting and changing direction twice before falling into the end zone to get New York its first win of the season, and give the team a glimpse of what it could be when Barkley is back to his best. Those that have seen him working to get back to full strength since training camp knew it was only a matter of time.
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“Everybody’s seen how much he’s worked, how hard he’s worked, and the adversity he’s had to overcome,” head coach Joe Judge said. “This wasn’t a small injury that he’s had to work and battle through. He’s gone through a lot of things, and he’s kept the team first in everything he’s done.”
Barkley has seemed to be steadily improving with each passing week, and it finally resulted in a breakout when the Giants badly needed it. An ascent back to superstar level could help save Big Blue’s season after a brutal start, and Barkley feels he is inching even closer to that landmark.
“I can feel my knee getting better and better,” Barkley said. “I’m getting used to it. Just gotta keep trusting the process and keep going.”
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