Eli Manning and the New York Giants offense have been trying to figure out a solution for when opposing defenses drop into zone coverage with two high safeties for the last 33 games (including the postseason). This was a seemingly impossible task in 2016 and 2017 due to the circumstances. For starters, the Giants ran a rigid offensive scheme under ex-head coach Ben McAdoo that used the same personnel grouping on nearly every snap, minimal to no usage of the play-action passing game, and he never helped his offensive tackles with extra blockers. Making matters worse, the Giants had one of the NFL's worst offensive lines and an inconsistent rushing attack. Heading into 2018, Manning is confident the offense finally has a solution for this problem and his name is Saquon Barkley.

"I think teams that have that running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield, it's such an advantage," Manning told NJ Advance Media's editorial staff. "When teams are playing zone, and they're dropping back or double-teaming your wide receivers, that guy can not only just get four or five yards, he can turn that into a 10 or 12-yard gain and first downs.

"Also, when you get man-to-man, and get him matched up on linebackers or get him catching routes out of the backfield, those are throws where the ball gets out of your hand quickly. It kind of turns a short-pass into big plays. I've been really impressed with his route-running, his catching, and it's just kind of that option and that check-down that won't just get you four yards but he'll get you first downs."

Barkley earned the highest receiving grade of any running back in the 2018 draft class, per PFF, and he led all running backs in yard per route run. He finished his collegiate career with 1,195 receiving yards, eight receiving touchdowns, and 102 receptions. Engram understands that Barkley's value is not limited to what he can do after taking a handoff, however, in order for this to all come together fast, he will need to learn the offensive playbook fast. In spring OTA and minicamp practices, Barkley was nearly unstoppable on the wheel route where he burned linebackers Olivier Vernon and Kareem Martin for long touchdowns.

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Barkley won't be the only one who can help revive the run game and beat zone coverage. The additions of left tackle Nate Solder, left guard Will Hernandez, and right guard Patrick Omameh will play a big role in opening up running lanes that have not previously been available to Giants running backs over the past two seasons. Even more beneficial than the personnel additions on offense will be the change in offensive scheme and play calling. New head coach Pat Shurmur has a plan to use a heavy dosage of play-action passing, vertically-oriented routes, and more simplified two-man route concepts.