New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is well aware of the fans who weren’t pleased with his selection in the 2018 NFL Draft and who remain unhappy with the team’s decision to pass on Sam Darnold and other quarterbacks a year ago, but also feels he’s already addressed their concerns with his play.
Ultimately, Barkley says, if the haters weren’t sold after his record-breaking season that culminated with the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, they’ll never be happy.
“I can’t change their opinions. Not being cocky in any way, but if a Rookie of the Year [Award] doesn’t sway that mindset, I don’t know what will,” Barkley told reporters on Thursday. “My mindset is continue to prove to the people in this locker room and this building that they got the right guy. A guy who is going to buy-in and get other people to buy-in and take that leadership role. I’ve been able to show that show so far, and I believe I can take that to another other level.”
Barkley, who led the league by forcing 71 missed tackles a season ago, also can’t rationalize why Giants fans are so upset and pessimistic heading into 2019 despite a very talented roster.
“Why are you frustrated? In my mind we have a great team,” Barkley said.
The Giants improved by two games from 2017 to 2018 and of their 13 losses, eight came by seven points or fewer.
That’s not bad for a team with a new general manager, head coach, coordinators, a new offensive system and a revamped offensive line that still struggled. It actually shows they are trending in the right direction despite the narrative, and Barkley remains the right man to lead that charge.
Someday, Barkley will be standing on the steps of Canton and maybe then the fans will acknowledge Dave Gettleman & Co. made the right decision.
