For the first time since 2016, the New York Giants started 1-0 with a 21-20 victory vs the Titans. They had luck on their side with Randy Bullock missing a game-winning 47-yard field goal. A fourth quarter comeback in week one helped seal the victory for New York, but Saquon Barkley carried the team all game long. He looked fresh and it was clear that Barkley is much healthier than he was in week one last season. His stellar performance earned him the honor of being named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Saquon Barkley: NFC Offensive Player of the Week
It was a dominant showing for Barkley on Sunday afternoon. Most could agree that this is the best that he’s looked since 2019. In fact, his 164 rushing yards was the third most he’s had in an NFL game. This was also his third career game with 150 or more rushing yards. Against the Titans on Sunday, Barkley carried the ball 18 times for 164 rushing yards along with six receptions for 30 yards. He also scored the crucial two-point conversion that gave New York the lead with just over a minute left.
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After week one, Barkley leads the NFL in rushing yards. He also was first in rushing yards after contact with 123 and he led the league in carries of 15 or more yards with three of them. Appearing in 13 games last season he only had one game where he rushed for 100 or more yards. Again, no question that he’s fully healthy and is capable of carrying that workload for the Giants offense. He averaged 9.1 yards per carry vs the Titans.
Barkley looked explosive on Sunday and he helped lead the Giants to a comeback victory against Tennessee. Daniel Jones found TE Chris Myarick for a one yard touchdown that put New York down by one, 20-19. Brian Daboll made the gutsy decision to go for two and it happened to work out in his favor. The Giants relied on Barkley all game long and he was happy to do so.
“I kind of started to get in the zone, started locking in. I kind of love being in that place.” – New York Giants RB, Saquon Barkley
Giants look to start the season 2-0
The New York Giants have their home opener vs the Carolina Panthers this Sunday, September 18th at 1:00pm. Big Blue has the chance to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2016, which was also the last time the Giants made the playoffs. Carolina lost a close one vs the Browns and want to bounce back. New York is eager to keep stacking wins and are ready to put on a show for the fans in MetLife. Last season the Giants routed the Panthers at home, 25-3. Can the team find a way to keep the win streak alive?