When healthy, there is no debating that Saquon Barkley is one of the best running backs in the league. His presence in both the rushing and passing game makes a world of difference for the New York Giants.
Of course, “when healthy” is the key phrase there.
Buy Giants TicketsSurprisingly enough, even with Barkley largely available last season, the Giants currently own the NFL’s longest streak of games without a 100-yard rusher (13).
Active NFL regular season/playoff streaks without a 100-yard runner
13 games – Giants
12 games – Cowboys, Chiefs
11 games – Vikings, Texans— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) September 24, 2023
The Cowboys saw Tony Pollard rush for over 120 yards on Sunday, which reset their clock. The Chiefs, although they won in convincing fashion, again went without a 100-yard rusher, tying with the Giants at 13 straight games.
Over this 13-game span, Barkley has missed just two games — Week 17 of last season (rest) and Week 3 of this season (high-ankle sprain).
Big Blue’s last 100-yard rushing performance came in Week 10 of last season when Barkley put up 152 yards and scored a touchdown.
Although Barkley certainly contributes in the passing game, this stat is a surprising one nonetheless, especially when considering that Barkley is one of the few true workhorse backs in the league.
Barkley went over 100 rushing yards in four games last season, all wins for the Giants.
Barkley’s presence alone opens up the passing game with opposing defenses having to keep their attention on the star running back.
The Giants would love to have Barkley back for their next game on Monday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks to end this streak. However, that would also require a better effort from the Giants’ offensive line than we have seen so far this season.
