New York Giants Top 7 Most Critical Players of 2020: RB Saquon Barkley

What does a healthy Saquon Barkley mean to the Giants in 2020?

A lot. After a historic rookie season in 2018, in which Barkley led the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 2,028, broke the record for receptions by a rookie running back with 91 and the Giants' franchise record for most rushing touchdowns by a rookie with 11.

An ankle injury put a dent in Barkley's historic career start last season, which sidelined him from the second half of Week 3 to Week 6. However, even with the injury, Barkley still managed to rack up 1,441 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns.

Barkley's historical numbers are one thing, but his impact is evident in how his production directly correlates with the Giants' success as a team.

Since drafting Barkley, the Giants have only won nine games. However, in seven of those nine wins, those being the wins Barkley was able to play from start to finish, he averaged 162 yards from scrimmage and 1.2 touchdowns per game.

Meanwhile, in games where Barkley puts up less than 100 yards from scrimmage, the Giants are 2-10.

Now 23 years old, Barkley is entering his prime as an NFL running back, and the Giants need him to have a big season in 2020. Thanks to the addition of Jason Garrett as the offensive coordinator, a healthy Barkley could see a significant increase in touches, especially as a receiver where there has yet to be a linebacker that can keep up with him at the second level or beyond.

Of course, that would be icing on the cake, as during Garrett's tenure with the division rival Dallas Cowboys, his offense leaned more on the run. The scheme prioritizes picking up first down and maximizing the time of possession.

It's a strategy that produced a pair of NFL rushing leaders and even an All-Pro performance with Demarco Murray in 2014 and Ezekiel Elliot in 2016. Garrett even got a 1,000-yard season out of Darren McFadden in between in 2015.

Garrett's rushing offense was built around the skill set of the featured running back each time, as the 2014 offense with Murray saw a lot of zone runs and outside tosses.

Meanwhile, the 2016 approach with Elliot saw more power ISO runs in between the tackles.

This year's Giants' offense will likely be tailor-made to Barkley's skill set as a runner and receiver. But it would behoove the Giants to avoid overusing the young star.

The Giants might want to dole out Barkley's snaps more judiciously in 2020 and beyond to preserve his health and lengthen his career. The Giants have deployed Barkley on 79.2% of their offensive snaps, a total that would probably be higher if Barkley hadn't missed time last year.

While Barkley is a lock to be on the field for most offensive snaps in 2020, Garrett should consider scaling back Barkley's workload, especially after last year's ankle injury.

The Giants coaches will have to find the right balance to ensure they are getting the most out of their elite young running back without jeopardizing his future.

With that balance, Barkley can spark to the Giants to a significant improvement in 2020 while ensuring that progress carries into 2021 and beyond.