The New York Giants host the 3-2 Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium this Sunday. The Giants look to build on their 4-1 start, while John Harbaugh and the Ravens seek to stay atop the AFC North.
It seems like every week the Giants are wondering who is going to suit up for the game due to injuries, but so far, that hasn’t stopped them from winning games.
Harbaugh has taken notice and is watching film this week to make sure his gameplan is on target. During a Monday press conference, Harbaugh was asked about the stress Saquon Barkley could put on the Ravens defense. He wasn’t shy about his answer.
“He looks good to me. I watched a few games last week, and I’m getting ready to go back up after we finish and get on those guys more,” Harbaugh said. “But strength, balance, change of direction; he’s just a really tough guy to tackle. Good out of the backfield, catches passes. A good all-around — great all-around — running back (and) heart and soul of their offense.”
Indeed, Barkley is the heart and soul of the Giants’ offense. Not just because he can run the ball down your throat, but because he can do all of the things Harbaugh mentioned, and he can do them well.
Barkley is a competitor and has proven that he will step into whatever role is asked of him. But the praise didn’t stop there.
“But it’s just not him,” Harbaugh said. “Daniel Jones is playing really well, and he’s a tough tackle. He’s been making plays out of the pocket that I didn’t really expect to see, and he’s really made a big difference for them — throwing and running around. (Their) offensive line is playing well — Ben Bredeson, who was here, he’s doing a nice job for them. So, they’re doing a good job on offense, obviously, and winning games.”
While the Ravens are preparing for the Giants’ offense, the Giants are once again preparing to play with a thin receiving corps and Barkley likely in the wildcat.
It didn’t stop them last week against the Green Bay Packers in a game that was played in another country, and it likely won’t stop them at home this Sunday either.
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