Saquon Barkley: "This Season Isn't About Proving I Can Do What I've Already Done. It's About More."
As Saquon Barkley approaches the 2025 season, his determination is palpable. The New York Giants running back isn’t concerned with proving he can replicate the feats he’s already accomplished. He’s done that. From breaking records to becoming one of the league's premier running backs, Barkley has already demonstrated his immense talent. However, this year, Barkley is on a different mission—one that focuses on pushing the limits of his potential, remaining at the top of his game, and never settling for comfort.
“This season isn’t about proving I can do what I’ve already done,” Barkley told reporters in a candid interview. “I’ve already done that. This season is about proving I can do more, be stronger, and be more consistent. For me, 'the peak' isn’t a destination – it’s an endless journey.”
A History of High Expectations
Barkley’s journey has been one of both incredible highs and frustrating lows. After an explosive rookie season in 2018, which saw him rush for over 1,300 yards and score 15 total touchdowns, Barkley’s star seemed to rise without limit. However, injuries and the inconsistency of the Giants' offense have often held him back. He missed a significant portion of the 2020 season with a torn ACL, a setback that would have shattered the confidence of many players. But Barkley showed resilience.
He returned in 2021 and quickly reminded everyone why he was considered one of the most dynamic running backs in the league. Despite battling injuries in the years following, Barkley still finished the 2024 season with impressive numbers, rushing for 1,250 yards and 10 touchdowns. Yet, he’s the first to admit that these accomplishments don’t define his journey. For Barkley, it’s about maintaining that top-tier performance year after year.
A Focus on Consistency and Strength
Now, as he heads into the 2025 season, Barkley’s mindset has shifted. He’s not solely focused on flashy runs or jaw-dropping highlights. Instead, he’s laser-focused on consistency, physical strength, and mental toughness. After all, the NFL is a league built on longevity, and the difference between elite players and legends often comes down to consistency and the ability to perform at a high level week after week.
"I want to be more than just a guy who has a great season and then fades out," Barkley continued. "I want to be the guy who’s consistently great. The one who shows up every week, no matter what. I’ve got more in me, and I’m going to prove it.”
That mindset has led to a change in his approach during the offseason. While other running backs might focus purely on their speed or agility, Barkley has honed in on physical strength. He’s worked with a team of trainers to develop his core strength and endurance to ensure he can absorb hits and continue churning out yards into his 30s.
Barkley is also determined to improve his passing game, both as a receiver and a blocker. In today’s NFL, a running back who can contribute in multiple ways—rushing, receiving, and even blocking for the quarterback—is invaluable. Barkley has already been a reliable pass-catcher in the Giants’ offense, but he’s aiming to take that element of his game to the next level.
The Endlessly Rising Peak
For Barkley, “the peak” isn’t a place to be reached, but a constant goal. He’s the first to acknowledge the brutal reality of professional sports: the longer you remain at the top, the more people try to pull you down. And yet, it’s precisely this challenge that drives him.
"I think some people get complacent when they achieve something big. But for me, I always feel like I’m just getting started," Barkley explained. "The peak isn't a destination. It's about climbing higher, pushing further, and making sure that I can keep getting better. It’s about taking on new challenges and proving that I can conquer them."
This season, Barkley’s narrative isn’t just about accolades or big plays—it’s about proving to himself and the league that his best is yet to come. After all, for one of the most talented running backs of his generation, the idea of reaching the peak is simply the beginning of an ongoing, unrelenting climb.
What’s Next for Barkley and the Giants?
The Giants have been in rebuilding mode for several years, but with Barkley leading the charge in the backfield, there is hope for the future. A more consistent Barkley means a more dynamic offense and, ideally, a more competitive team in the NFC East. For the Giants to succeed, they will need to lean heavily on Barkley’s leadership and skillset, especially as they face the top-tier defenses of the NFC.
While it’s clear that Barkley still has a lot left to prove, the true test will come when he’s asked to perform not just in flashes, but week after week. If anyone can prove that they are capable of maintaining greatness for an extended period, it’s Saquon Barkley.
For now, the journey continues—because for Barkley, reaching the peak is never the end. It’s just another challenge to overcome on the endless climb to greatness.
Cowboys vs. Commanders: Offensive Fireworks Expected in NFC East Showdown
An offensive explosion and late heroics could be on the menu when the Washington Commanders visit the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
The NFC East matchup features strong offenses, struggling defenses, and two teams that lost their previous game on a last-second field goal.
Oh, and each team may be getting a star wide receiver back.
Dallas All-Pro CeeDee Lamb, who missed the past three games with a high ankle sprain, returned to practice on Wednesday.
"Yeah, if he's breathing," Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer joked about Lamb's return. "Honestly, yeah. CeeDee knows how to play football. If he runs around and catches a pass or two, I'm good."
Washington's Terry McLaurin, who has sat out the past three games with a quad injury, also returned to practice Wednesday.
"I'll have a better sense after we go through some full-speed routes and movements to see where he's at," coach Dan Quinn said. "But I'm excited where he's trending."
Washington (3-3) rallied from a 13-0 deficit to take a fourth-quarter lead Monday night, but Jayden Daniels' fumble at the Chicago 40 set up the winning drive for the visiting Bears. The Commanders continued to alternate wins and losses with a 25-24 defeat.
At Carolina on Sunday, the Panthers got a 33-yard field goal as time expired to beat Dallas 30-27. The Cowboys (2-3-1) gave up 216 rushing yards, including 183 to former Dallas back Rico Dowdle, and 410 total yards of offense.
The Dallas defense ranks last in the NFL, allowing 411.7 yards per game. The Cowboys are last against the pass (269.5) and 29th against the run (142.2), and they are giving up 30.7 points per game, second worst in the league.
"We can't go all year playing defense like this, especially with how our offense is playing," defensive tackle Kenny Clark said. "If we can match that, we're going to be a really tough team to beat."
The Dallas offense leads the NFL with 387.5 yards per game, while the Commanders are 13th (345.7). The Cowboys are second in passing yards per game (270.3), and the Commanders are tied for second in rushing (151.0).
Dallas is third in scoring (29.7 points per game); Washington is seventh (26.3).
Against Carolina, Dallas got a monster game from George Pickens, who caught nine passes for 168 yards and a touchdown.
Washington's defense is ranked 26th overall (allowing 356.8 yards per game). The Commanders rank 23rd against the pass (235.2) and 20th against the run (121.7).
Both teams will look to improve their running attack on Sunday. Dallas gained just 31 rushing yards against the Panthers. Minus Daniels (52 yards), Washington ran for 72 yards vs. Chicago, and rookie back Jacory Croskey-Merritt lost a fumble for the second straight game.
"He's still growing," Quinn said of Croskey-Merritt. "This is a rookie player. They're going to have some ups and downs just like any other guys. I'm certain he's made of the right things to battle through it."
The Commanders placed wide receiver Noah Brown (groin/knee) on injured reserve one week after he returned to practice. Quinn said the injury has not responded as the team had hoped. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday.
Washington signed free agent defensive end Drake Jackson on Wednesday. A second-round pick by San Francisco in 2022, Jackson has appeared in 23 NHL games, recording six sacks. The 49ers waived him in May.
For Dallas, returner/receiver KaVontae Turpin (foot) and rookie guard Tyler Booker (ankle) both returned to practice on Wednesday and were limited.
Last season, Dallas won 34-26 in at Washington in Week 12 and visiting Washington was a 23-19 winner in Week 18. The Commanders are looking to win at Dallas in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 2014 and '15 campaigns.
