Tuesday Media Transcript: RB Saquon Barkley

RB Saquon Barkley -- May 28, 2019

Q: Do you have an idea that this offense this year could be pretty good?
A: Yes, I think we show signs of it. Last year, we played at a high level, definitely in that second half. Now, no one is new to it. Aside from the rookies, for myself, Eli, Shep and Evan, all those guys, no one is new to it. We had a whole year of it last year and now we get a jumpstart. I feel like I am seeing the field a lot better and understanding the offense. I think we have a lot of talent and we showed flashes of it last year. When the opportunity comes, we are going to be ready.

Q: What is it that makes you think you can be better without Odell?
A: I would say just being familiar with the offense and having a whole year attached to it. Obviously, how can we be better without Odell? At the end of the day, it is a team game. It is going to take 11 men on offense to go out there and win games. There is going to be days where I am the guy that is having the day or Shep is going to have the day or Tate will have that day. We just have to find a way to get better every single day, grow with each other, improve with each other and when the opportunity comes, capitalize on it.

Q: How much does bringing in Zeitler and Remmers help you?
A: For me, the big things were that we never really had a solidified five on the line until the second half of the season. As a running back, it is just getting the feel. Running is like an art. I was talking to the line today. Whether it is an inside zone, outside, whatever kind of run it is, it is just a feel for each other. Understanding, how can I set them up and what kind of blocking do they like to do. Just adding those guys who are pros and have done it at a high level definitely helps, but to be able to have them here now and to be able to have them mesh and start it off early, it is definitely going to help when the season comes along.

Q: Can you go over 302 touches this year or is that too high?
A: I don’t think any number is too high for me personally. At the end of the day, I know I sound like a broken record, but you will hear this for as long as I am in the NFL, as long as I take care of my body, my body will take care of me. I will continue to have my team around me. Obviously, have a great strength staff here and a great training staff here. Have to be a pro outside the facility. Whether it is 350 touches, 400 touches or less touches next year. Whatever I have to do to have this team compete for a championship, I am going to do.

Q: Does it take a little getting used to with the new additions of the offensive line?
A: I wouldn’t say that. It is a little different, but you won’t really know until you are playing full speed. You can’t do all the runs that you want to do in shirts and helmets. You need shoulder pads for that. You have to get it down now, get used to it now and see what they like. Just talk and communicate. It is big in football, sports and life. Just being able to communicate, talk, watch film and go back the next day to try something new and see if they like it and if I like it. When the opportunity comes and we could put pads on and preseason, we should be able to mesh well and be ready to go.

Q: Now that there is a class under you, is there anything you are trying to do differently in the second year?
A: Not really anything different. Just being me. That is what it all comes down to. Be the guy that you were raised to be and the guy that you were raised by your parents to be. Have that same work ethic when you played hard at Penn State. That is what I try and do. I try and come out here, work and compete. Try and set the tone for the offense and the team as a whole. I did that at a high level as a rookie and I know I am one of the pieces, not only me but Eli, Will, all those guys are looking up to us and seeing how we work. I know I was doing the same thing when I came in. I was watching Shep, I was watching Evan and Jonathan Stewart. I know they are watching me and I am trying to set an example by coming in and doing things the right way and being the best I can be.

Q: Do you look at Le’Veon Bell being in New York as an extra challenge or added motivation?
A: I was a fan of him. I used to watch Le’Veon and when I got here, he was one of the first guys that I broke down his film. I don’t see it as extra motivation. At the end of the day, I am competing with myself and competing to be the best for my team. I really don’t care what any other back in the league does, I just care about what is happening here.

Q: Have you talked to him since he joined the Jets?
A: No, I haven’t. I only met him one time, it was a short greet. I have talked to him on social media a couple times. We definitely respect each other’s games. He sat out last year and that is not good for the league in general because he is such a tremendous player. You look forward to seeing a guy like that on Sunday. For him to be here and we are playing in the same stadium, I am excited. I am happy for him and that he found a spot. I am happy that he is able to show his talent. I wish nothing but the best for him.

Q: Do you have any advice for Daniel Jones being a first-year player in the organization?
A: He is doing really well. He has come out here and is getting more confident every day. That is the thing, just get confidence. You get so worked up because this is the NFL and it is so different, but it really isn’t. Obviously, the quarterback positon is different, but once he understands the playbook, you can see it already, he is a competitor. You can see the look in his eyes that he wants to get better every single day. My advice to him is that this is football. Just come in here and work. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, be 100 percent ready.