Saquon Barkley’s 2022 season got off to an explosive start, setting a New York Giants Week 1 record, and collecting NFL Offensive Player of The Week honors.

Barkley was the driving force behind the Giants’ thrilling 21-20 comeback win over the Tennessee Titans, rushing for 164 yards with a touchdown, and the game-winning two-point conversion. The former Penn State Football standout also added six receptions for 30 yards, against Tennessee.

Not only did Barkley help lift the Giants to the team’s first opening day win since 2016, but drew high praise from former NFL Executive of The Year, Randy Mueller, for his efforts.

“What impressed me most about Sunday is his ability to be productive above, and beyond the scheme,” Mueller told Heavy.com NFL Insider Matt Lombardo. “He was making guys miss, lowering his pads on contact, and getting an extra yard or two.

“When a coach knows a running back can make a play — even though that play may not be blocked perfectly — you can surely make a case for paying him, as long as he can produce on all three downs.”

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Mueller believes that after watching Barkley run wild against the Titans, that the 25-year-old back finally has a head coach who understands how to best utilize him, especially in space as well as in the passing game.

“I do think he’s finally with a coach who knows exactly how to use him in a system that really fits him,” Mueller explained. “Barkley’s six catches were just as important as his rushing yards and really factor into how much a team pays him. He was the definition of a complete back in Tennessee.”

 

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