Barkley makes big play, Webb struggles in preseason opener
EAST RUTHERFORD » If early returns of the preseason are any indication, Giants fans are currently staring at two contrasting realities.
New York is in for a thrill ride with Saquon Barkley, and Davis Webb still has a long way to go before becoming Eli Manning’s successor.
Barkley, one of the most hyped running back prospects of all-time, did not disappoint on his first NFL carry Thursday night at MetLife Stadium against the Cleveland Browns.
The No. 2 overall pick out of Penn State received a handoff up the middle from Manning, juked right, cut inside past two defenders, burst downfield and lightly stiff-armed a safety as a 39yard gain unfolded.
It was only one play and Barkley only totaled four yards on his other four carries in two drives. Still, it was enough to flash the upside that the franchise has lacked for so long in the backfield.
Consider that the Giants had 394 rushing attempts last year. Only twice did a player gain more than 39 yards — both by Orleans Darkwa, who is no longer on the team. No other back accumulated more than 24 yards on a carry.
It has also been six years since a Giants running back posted a 1,000-yard season. Barkley is likely to buck that trend as a rookie if he stays healthy, but don’t expect the Giants to risk too much more of his 5-foot-11, 233-pound frame in the preseason.
Meanwhile, 11th-year veteran Jonathan Stewart carried the ball twice for only three yards with the firstteam offense, which played two series and gained 82 yards on 16 plays (including a 42-yard field goal by Aldrick Rosas).
The new-look offensive line featuring four new starters yielded one sack on the second drive when outside linebacker Mychal Kendricks blitzed up the middle past center John Halapio, dropping Manning for a 10-yard loss.
On the Giants’ third drive, second-year player Davis Webb entered at quarterback with a backup offensive line featuring Nick Becton, John Greco, Brett Jones, John Jerry and Chad Wheeler from left to right. Wayne Gallman became the primary running back.
Webb still had the opportunity to work with first-team wideouts Sterling Shepard and Cody Latimer, although superstar Odell Beckham Jr. did not suit up Thursday.
Ultimately, the University of California product did not make the most of his long-awaited chance to show he’s capable of being the Giants’ next franchise quarterback when the 37-year-old Manning retires.
Webb completed only 8-of-20 pass attempts for 70 yards in the first half. He missed on his first five attempts, displaying shoddy decision-making and accuracy.
One pass down the middle through a tight window of two defenders was nearly intercepted. A deep ball overshot Russell Shepard streaking across midfield, which had touchdown potential with better touch. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in action against the Giants during a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on Thursday night.