The New York Giants are taking a deliberate approach to the return of Saquon Barkley, considering alternative options such as Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard as potential replacements. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that both dual-threat running backs are under consideration by the Giants.
Ekeler showcased his prowess in the 2021 season, sharing the NFL’s lead in touchdowns while playing for the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, the Giants are familiar with Pollard’s capabilities, having witnessed his consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons with division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys.
There’s speculation within the league that the Cowboys might pursue Saquon Barkley, potentially leading to a swap of Pollard and the Giants’ RB1 position, according to Fowler.
While parting ways with Barkley entails risks for the Giants, Ekeler and Pollard offer versatility that could inject life into their offense. Although neither possesses Barkley’s workhorse attributes, they bring unique strengths to the table.
The Giants struggled to find the end zone on the ground last season, with only 10 rushing touchdowns compared to Ekeler’s impressive tally of 30 over the past three years. Ekeler, aged 28, excels in goal-line situations.
While Barkley is known for his dominance between the 20-yard lines, his utilization near the goal line has been limited by the New York Giants. Ekeler, on the other hand, boasts superior abilities in short-yardage situations and as a receiver.
His impressive reception stats, including a 92-catch season in 2019 and 107 receptions in 2022, according to Pro Football Reference, highlight his versatility and potential as an upgrade over Barkley in certain aspects.
Pollard possesses the dual threat capability to put pressure on defenses both on the ground and through the air, utilizing his exceptional speed that instills fear in opposing teams.
The key to unleashing Pollard’s potential for explosive plays lies in allowing him to exploit the edges and cutback lanes of the defense. Over the past two years, this strategy has proven highly effective, with Pollard consistently delivering big plays, evidenced by his six runs of 20-plus yards last season alone.
Despite facing some challenges in what may have been considered a subpar season, Pollard still managed to amass an impressive 1,005 rushing yards and haul in 55 receptions. While there may be lingering doubts about his capability to shoulder the workload as a primary running back, Pollard presents an enticing option for quarterback Daniel Jones, offering a versatile threat in both the running and passing game.
As Jones faces scrutiny, Pollard stands ready to provide support and enhance the team’s offensive arsenal with his dynamic skill set.
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