Cowboys DC compares Saquon Barkley to HOFer Barry Sanders

5 bold predictions for the New York Giants' 2021 season

Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com via USA TODAY NETWORK

The moment New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley stepped on the field for his rookie season, he quickly became one of the NFL’s best running backs.

Now a year after he made his NFL debut, he’s drawing even higher praise from one of the NFL’s coaching greats on a division rival

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli spoke to reporters on Thursday and raved about Barkley’s unique abilities. In fact, he compared Barkley’s big-play ability to Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders.

Cowboys DC Rod Marinelli on defending Saquon Barkley: “It’s really like Barry Sanders. Very similar. You may have a lot of plays where you keep him to minimal, 5 yards, and then the ability to break the long one. You got to be on top of the details. We have to be disciplined.”
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 5, 2019

While comparing a 22-year-old coming off his rookie season to one of the NFL’s all-time greats might seem strong, the comparison makes sense. Barkley showed a stunning ability to rip off big runs with ease during the 2018 season and his ability in the open field reminded many of Sanders. It’s something Marinelli knows his team will need to be extremely cautious with.

Dallas will head into a matchup against the Giants as clear favorites to win, but Barkley is also capable of taking the game over. If Marinelli’s defense isn’t disciplined in the season opener, Barkley could put up monster numbers.