Why Giants' Saquon Barkley is extra motivated ahead of Jets game

While players associated with the 2-5 Giants are hoping to convince general manager Joe Schoen to keep the squad intact through this coming Tuesday's trade deadline, the 3-3 Jets believe they can compete for more than just a playoff berth through Week 18. 

"It’s New York Giants versus New York Jets," Barkley added during his comments, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "There’s definitely a little more something to the game and I felt that the last time I played in it, and we ended up losing a really close game. You could feel the atmosphere of the fans that were there. At the end of the day, all you want to do is win and that’s our goal, to do what we can, compete and come out with a win. It’s going to be a challenge because they’re a really good team."

Barkley told reporters ahead of what became this past Sunday's 14-7 victory over the Washington Commanders he wants to remain with the Giants through the end of the campaign, and it seems he'll get his wish even if Big Blue falls to the Jets at MetLife Stadium. Dan Duggan of The Athletic noted Thursday that "the Giants certainly won’t be compelled to dump their best offensive weapon for minimal return (such as a day three draft pick), especially if they believe they can make a second-half run." 

As of Thursday afternoon, OddsChecker listed a Giants team that probably will be without starting quarterback Daniel Jones as a three-point underdog against the Jets. Barkley carrying his club to a much-needed win could do much more than simply get a bad taste out of his mouth that's lingered for roughly four years.