As their offseason program continues into mid-August, Saquon Barkley and Sterling Shepard took some time out to speak with reporters on Friday afternoon, and discussed different topics within the offense.
"It's an offense that utilizes everybody's skill set and there's a lot of moving pieces as well, which I like about it," Shepard said. "I like to move around the field and the guys that I play with like to move around to, it makes it tough on defenses."
After a record-setting Offensive Rookie of the Year season in 2018, Barkley regressed a bit, in part due to a high-ankle sprain that kept him out for a number of games. But even though he still managed to cross over 1,000 rushing yards for a second season in a row, Barkley still says he has room for improvement.
"I feel that I have so much more room to grow, so much I can continue to add to my game," Barkley said. "I would say some big focal points are pass pro, in between tackles, outside tackles, catching the ball, ball security. Every single day, I try to focus and get better at every area of my game."
On potentially speaking with Ezekiel Elliot
Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot had tremendous success under new OC Jason Garrett's supervision during his time in Dallas but both Barkley and Shepard said that they haven't reached out to the three-time Pro Bowler to pick his brain on how it's like to play under him.
"I was going to reach out to Zeke at some point, but never got around to it. I like to get my own view of coaches and how they operate. That's kind of what I've been doing the last few days," Shepard said.
"Zeke had a lot of success — not only Zeke but the other running backs before him, (Darren) McFadden, (DeMarco) Murray, (Marion) Barber, the list goes on. Ever since coach Garrett has been the head coach or OC at Dallas they've been at the top of the running game every single year," Barkley said.
On preparations for the season
With veteran leaders like Eli Manning and Zak DeOssie retiring this offseason, there's a much younger feel to this team. With that factored in to this irregular coronavirus impacted offseason, everyone is working extra hard to get ready for the season
"I'm proud of the guys and the way that everyone's been approaching each day. It's a lot on us right now with all the information being shoved at us, we're kind of on a time crunch, so I'm proud of the guys and the way that we've been working," Shepard said.
However, even with their goals lurking in the future, the new look team still understands what franchise they're playing for.
"I'd definitely say it's a fresh new start, but I do think we're doing a great job...of understanding the history, understanding the guys before us, the tradition here," Barkley said.