Saquon Barkley has been called a lot of things in the 10 months since the Giants selected him with the second overall pick in the draft. Savior. Leader. Role model. Generational spirit. And a mighty talented running back.
But there is one thing he’ll no longer be called after Sunday: a rookie.
The new face of the franchise will complete his first lap through the NFL when the Giants finish their regular season against the Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. There still will be some 2018 housekeeping to take care of in 2019, such as the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award, for which he and Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield — the top two picks in the draft in April — seem to be the only serious contenders.