Saquon Barkley Makes NFL Preseason Debut with New York Giants

NFL Preseason games are generally boring, virtually meaningless, and altogether easy to move past. For Saquon Barkley, however, it was his first chance to show the world what he can bring to an NFL offense, and why the Giants signed him to a lucrative guaranteed rookie contract.

It did not take long for Barkley to deliver a glimpse of what is to come.

Welcome to the NFL, @saquon! #CLEvsNYG pic.twitter.com/PYG6KPhdKp

— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2018

I can feel every Nittany Lion fan nodding along from here.

Barkley's night was otherwise pedestrian, as he finished with just four carries for 43 yards. But the rookie sensation's first touch in live NFL action was anything but. He showed the vision, athleticism, acceleration, and straight ahead speed that had many calling him the top player available in this year's Draft.

His night ended after only two series, but the workload was typical for a guy the Giants expect to be a significant part of their offense moving forward this year.

The Giants lost the game 20-10, as  rookie QB, and No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns attack. Barkley and his teammates return to action on Friday, Aug. 17 in Detroit against the Lions.