New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley could have easily run the ball into the endzone late in the fourth quarter, giving him an extra few yards and an additional touchdown.
Instead, knowing he could seal the game by going down, Barkley did just that at the 2-yard line. It was a high IQ play.
“Our coaches do a really good job not only in that situation but throughout the week. We practice all those situations. The run before that, I feel like if I really wanted to, I could have went this way and kind of scored but I was focused on protecting the ball,” Barkley told reporters. “I ran up to Dabs and was making sure, “We’re not scoring here. We’re not scoring here, right?” And he told me, “Yeah.” Did a spin move, had an opportunity and just got down. I knew once you get the first down, that secures the win.”
It’s not a decision many others across the NFL would have made.
On god I’m scoring lol
— Charles James II (@CJDeuce_) October 16, 2022
But Barkley is selfless. To him, the win was more important than the personal stats. And given that Barkley is in a contract year and trying to secure a long-term deal, that was money left on the field.
After the game, Barkley said he owed it to his teammates. He also recognized that it hurt fantasy owners.
“I know fantasy fans are going to be a little upset about that, but I’ve got a job to do and that’s to do whatever I can to help my team win a football game. Anytime you can make a play that can secure a victory, you got to do that,” he said.
It wasn’t just his numbers and fantasy owners that Barkley sacrificed. He also sacrificed his body.
Barkley came into the game with an injured shoulder and appeared to reinjure it late. At points, his arm was hanging limp while he squeezed his fist trying to get feeling back. Initially, he was used as a decoy when back on the field, but the Giants ultimately called his number late.
Again, Barkley didn’t think twice.
“Shoulder is good,” Barkley said while trying to deflect questions about his injury.
That team-first attitude will continue to endear him to his teammates and coaches. It will also endear him to the general manager, who will soon have to make a call on Barkley’s future.
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