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New York Giants: 3 Players to watch vs. Cowboys in Week 2

By Stephen Smith

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 22: Ereck Flowers #74 of the New York Giants waits to take the field before taking on the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium on October 22, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 22: Ereck Flowers #74 of the New York Giants waits to take the field before taking on the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium on October 22, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs with the ball in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium on September 9, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 09: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs with the ball in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium on September 9, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

Saquon Barkley, RB

All eyes will be watching this intriguing early season matchup of two of the most dynamic young halfbacks in the league, Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott of the Cowboys. It should not surprise anyone if these two stud halfbacks battle for the NFL rushing title this season. Both of their ceilings are through the roof.

As far as Barkley is concerned, the Penn State product displayed what an electrifying, explosive player he already is against the Jaguars last Sunday. After being held to 37 yards on his first 16 carries, the second overall pick in this year’s draft brought the Giants faithful to their feet with a thrilling 68-yard touchdown burst. Barkley broke three tackles and showed breakaway speed down the right sideline.

That score moved Big Blue to within 20-15 of Jacksonville early in the fourth quarter, but they could not get any closer than that. Barkley finished the afternoon with a game-high 106 yards on the ground.

The key for success against the Cowboys is pretty basic. The beleaguered offensive line must open some holes for Barkley and get him out in space as often as possible. The line needs to take a major step forward and Barkley has to become much more involved in the passing game. Eli Manning only connected with him on two of six targets and Barkley finished with just 22 receiving yards against the Jags.

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The Bronx, NY native proved what an excellent receiver he was at Happy Valley and he’ll eventually evolve into one of the premier pass-catching halfbacks in the NFL. He has the entire package – power, speed, excellent hands, outstanding athleticism and a great work ethic.

The Cowboys allowed 147 rushing yards to the Panthers last week. If Barkley can control the running game, it will set up play-action for Manning. Look for Barkley to record his second-straight 100-yard effort on the ground Sunday night. He has quickly become must-see TV.

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