Is this version of Saquon Barkley here to stay?

Even the most optimistic fans might not have seen Saquon Barkley's dominant start to the season coming. The 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year isn't just leading the league in rushing, but he has over 100 more yards than every player other than Nick Chubb. 

What started with a great season opener against the Titans has turned into sustained success, and it doesn't look like Barkley's success is going to stop anytime soon.

With the Giants extremely thin at the wide receiver position after losing Sterling Shepard, Barkley has entrenched himself as the centerpiece of the offense. He set a career-high with 31 rushing attempts in Sunday's win over the Bears, taking control of the offense through quarterback injuries and struggles in the passing game. 

With an unsteady offensive line blocking for him, Barkley is averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He remained efficient against Chicago despite the Bears knowing the Giants' game plan was to give him the ball.

Barkley looks like he's finally rounding back into pre-injury form, and it couldn't come at a better time for him. The former No. 2 pick will be a free-agent after the season. 

The Giants will need to develop a cohesive passing game if they don't want defenses to focus all of their attention on Barkley. If nothing else, coach Brian Daboll should be cautious and avoid wearing Barkley down given his injury history. 

Through four games, though, the Giants have found a plan that works, and that plan is to ride Barkley similar to how the Vikings rode Adrian Peterson during his MVP season a decade ago.