Saquon Barkley’s first career playoff game was a good start toward the greatness he envisions.
Used mostly as a complement to a passing attack that has been at its most aggressive all season in two matchups with the Vikings and Daniel Jones’ legs on zone-read runs, Barkley still made an impact with an almost-even rushing and receiving split of his 109 yards from scrimmage and scored two touchdowns on his 14 touchesSimilar to how this surprising Giants season started, head coach Brian Daboll made a gutsy call late in a game.
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones hands the ball off to running back Saquon Barkley during their Wild Card game against the Vikings on Jan. 15, 2023.Jones moved the chains and two plays later, Barkley powered into the end zone to put the Giants ahead, 31-24, with less than eight minutes remaining. He was stood up at the 1-yard line but churned those trademark bulky quads to get across the goal line just before his knee touched the ground.
Giants running back Saquon Barkley runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first quarter of a Wild Card game against the Vikings on Jan. 15, 2023.Barkley joined the short list of running backs whose first career playoff carry went for a long touchdown when he took a toss left, let Andrew Thomas, pulling center Jon Feliciano and receiver Isaiah Hodgins set up blocks to spring him for a 28-yard score.
But offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, who kept the Vikings guessing all game, only gave Barkley six carries through the first three quarters, sometimes using him as a decoy with backup Matt Breida in to fight for short yardage. Perhaps Kafka heard his team’s unselfish star this past week. Giants running back Saquon Barkley heads off the field following a Wild Card win over the Vikings on Jan. 15, 2023.“I want the ball as many times as needed to win this game. Whatever I’ve got to do. That’s been my motto throughout the entire season and I’m sticking with it. If it’s 40-50 then it’s 40-50. If it’s 0-5, then it’s 0-5.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Giants’ Saquon Barkley studying all-time greats ahead of playoff debutBefore running through rushing lanes, Saquon Barkley went down a rabbit hole.
Read more »
'Study the greats and become greater': Saquon Barkley's NFL playoff promise inspires GiantsSaquon Barkley has done his homework, studying playoff legends with acknowledgement of opportunity that awaits the NY Giants' star Sunday vs. Vikings
Read more »
Saquon Barkley Breaks Free For Early Touchdown in Wild Card GameNew York Giants running back Saquon Barkley scored on a game-tying 28-yard touchdown run against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC wild card game.
Read more »
Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley propel Giants over Vikings in NFC wild-card winQB Daniel Jones, RB Saquon Barkley and the sixth-seeded New York Giants went into Minnesota and took down the No. 3 seed Vikings in Sunday's NFL wild-card game.
Read more »
Giants beat Vikings 31-24, advance to Divisional RoundSaquon Barkley scored two touchdowns and Daniel Jones threw for 301 yards and another two touchdowns as the Giants won their first playoff game since Superbowl 46.
Read more »
Trevor Lawrence throws three first-quarter interceptions in nightmare start to playoff debutJaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence hadn’t thrown a first-quarter interception throughout his NFL career until his playoff debut Sunday night.
Read more »