(This is Part Two of the New York Giants’ position review. You can find Part One here. Today, we dive into the running back room of Big Blue).
The running back position is unique. After all, you can find guys late in the draft that ends up being productive (see Alvin Kamara, Elijah Mitchell, etc.) But, the Giants took a different path, drafting Saquon Barkley second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
After an exciting rookie campaign, Barkley started to decline after an ACL injury ruled him out for the rest of the 2020 season. He was healthy to play last season but struggled to find his old self. But, a new coaching staff could be what Barkley needs to regain what he used to be.
Of course, if Saquon does get hurt again, Big Blue needs some quality backups to step in and produce. Devontae Booker was serviceable but not explosive for a team lacking in big plays. Let’s dive into the running back room and see who the Giants currently have.
Saquon Barkley
Once an electrifying rookie from Penn State, Saquon has struggled to regain his form since his horrific injury. But, when healthy, he causes headaches for defenses around the league. We are quick to forget about his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and make defenders miss.
It’s been a rough few years for Barkley, from injuries to an incompetent offensive line and a terrible coaching staff. As with Daniel Jones, the New York Giants hope a new regime led by head coach Brian Daboll will unlock a new dimension of the offense.
Some notes from today’s OTA:
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) May 19, 2022
• Ton of empty sets and pre-snap motion in this offense. A healthy Saquon is going to catch a ton of passes. Jones was getting the ball out quick, lot of RPOs.
A better offensive line helps, as his yards per rushing attempt was a measly 3.7 in 2021. Staying healthy while putting him in better positions to succeed will help Saquon become a top 10 back in the NFL once again.
Matt Breida
Recognition with Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen led to the signing of Brieda for the Giants. He served mostly as a backup with the Bills, playing in nine games in 2021.
The former Georgia Southern product only ran for 125 yards on 26 carries but brings speed and explosiveness to a team in need of a solid backup running back. He is still young, only two years older than Saquon.
It looks like he may have a key role in an offense that looks to have many options for Daniel Jones to throw to.
• Saquon was lined up in the slot on one play with Matt Breida in the backfield and ran a deep post. Julian Love intercepted Daniel Jones on that play, don’t believe Saquon was the target.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) May 19, 2022
• Tyrod Taylor had the throw the day, a bomb to Robert Foster over UDFA CB Zyon Gilbert
If Barkley were to miss time, Breida has produced when needed to start. In 2018, he started 13 games and ran for 814 yards. The running back also had 27 catches for 261 yards as well. In fact, his last start in 2020 saw him run for 86 yards against the New England Patriots as a member of the Miami Dolphins.
Gary Brightwell
Drafted in the sixth round in 2021, the former Arizona product has played primarily on special teams for the New York Giants. The only impact he had on the offensive side of the ball was one reception for six yards in Week 1. He also contributed four rushing yards against Atlanta in Week 3.
Outside of that, he’s been mostly a contributor on kickoffs and punts. Unless injuries happen to Barkley and Breida, Brightwell will likely have the same role for the Giants this year.
Antonio Williams
Undrafted in 2020, he was a member of the Buffalo Bills and has familiarity with Daboll and Schoen. He only played in one game, which was against Miami in Week 17.
Antonio Williams has WHEELS!
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2021
? #MIAvsBUF on CBS pic.twitter.com/9ImJtB3wxs
Talk about speed. He finished with 63 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the Bills’ win. He will battle Brightwell for the third spot on the depth chart. Based on the Miami game, he has a good chance of doing so.
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