When Saquon Barkley, the star running back synonymous with the New York Giants, moved on to the Philadelphia Eagles, many expected turmoil within the Giants organization. However, Julian Edelman shared insights that reveal Giants head coach Brian Daboll remains composed and optimistic despite the change. Barkley’s departure, which occurred before the 2025 season, presented a huge challenge in leadership and team morale, but Daboll continues to lead with steady confidence, focusing on future opportunities and growth.
Barkley was more than just a player for the Giants; he was the symbol of hope and the face of the franchise. His exit stirred emotions among fans and analysts, signaling a shifting era for New York football. Yet inside the Giants’ facility, the reaction is far less dramatic. Edelman, speaking on the Dudes on Dudes podcast alongside Rob Gronkowski, recounted that he reached out to Daboll to check on him post-trade. Instead of hearing disappointment, Daboll spoke about his readiness for the upcoming season with a familiar eagerness.
Edelman said,
“just to see how you’re doing,”
then added about Daboll’s mindset,
“excited for the season, the same guy always.”
He further reflected,
“And that’s like a strength right there. Giving the running back away, he goes wins the Super Bowl, this, that. There’s been a lot of stuff for him and you would never know. And that’s just the kinda coach he is.”
This perspective highlights Daboll’s resilience in the face of losing a key contributor who immediately won a Super Bowl with his new team. Such events can shake a coach’s confidence, but Daboll’s demeanor communicates his unwavering focus on the Giants’ collective goals, signaling a leader who adapts rather than dwells on setbacks.
Embracing Change and Staying Focused in an Ever-Shifting NFL
Daboll has expressed a pragmatic outlook on personnel changes that occur regularly in the NFL. In an interview with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero during a league meeting in March, he stated,
“This is what it is every year in the NFL… everybody doesn’t stick together the entire time.”
He acknowledged the inevitable nature of roster turnover while maintaining respect for the players he has worked with, especially Barkley.
He added,
“You meet great people, you build relationships, and then, sometimes, you have to let go… I wish him all the best—except when he is playing the Giants.”
This blend of professionalism and lighthearted competitiveness underscores how Daboll balances personal connections with the demands of his role. It also reflects why insiders like Edelman express confidence in the coach’s ability to navigate transition without losing momentum.
Additionally, Daboll’s previous season coaching record supports this optimistic outlook. The Giants finished with six wins despite numerous injuries and challenges, demonstrating his capacity to keep the team engaged and competitive, according to Pro Football Reference. Nor has his leadership style gone unnoticed by media outlets such as The Athletic, which praised his open communication and steady hand in the locker room, attributing much of the team’s resilience to his presence.
Front Office Decisions Reflect Moving Forward Without Barkley
The Giants’ front office also confirmed their commitment to a new direction during the preseason. An inside look provided by Hard Knocks featured Giants General Manager Joe Schoen candidly identifying the offensive line as the team’s top priority.
Schoen was direct when discussing Barkley’s status, saying,
“We’re not going to go there. We’re out.”
This blunt statement emphasized the organization’s decision to move on from Barkley’s tenure without lingering regret, even as city officials and owner John Mara wrestled with the emotional impact.
Mara himself admitted the difficulty of the situation, confessing,
“I might have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia, I’ll tell you that.”
Mara’s comment illustrates the emotional weight of the trade for those connected deeply to the Giants tradition, yet it also highlights the gap between personal feelings and the professional strategy Daboll embodies as he steers the team forward.
Saquon Barkley’s Strong Start in Philadelphia Signals New Challenges
Meanwhile, Barkley’s transition to the Eagles marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with expectations and challenges. According to reports from The Athletic and Yahoo Sports, Barkley arrived at Philadelphia’s training camp with the same relentless energy that defined his Giants years. Observations describe him as fully integrated with the first team, actively participating in drills and maintaining a leadership role among the running backs.
Barkley posted a remarkable 2,065 total yards and earned Offensive Player of the Year honors during the 2024 season, underscoring his elite status. He reminded reporters,
“What you did the year prior, it has nothing to do with this year coming up.”
This statement reflects Barkley’s commitment to continual improvement and refusal to rest on past accomplishments.
Yahoo Sports’ camp coverage further illustrated his work ethic:
“He’s on the ground after reps, but he bounces up every time, showing off that same brutal work ethic Giants fans know well. Coaches say he’s absorbing playbook tweaks and challenging defenders in open field, just as advertised.”
Barkley’s perseverance and adaptability are central to the Eagles’ offensive ambitions and represent a new standard against which the Giants must measure themselves.
The Giants Face the Task of Filling Barkley’s Void Under Daboll’s Leadership
Saquon Barkley’s move intensifies the longstanding rivalry between the Giants and Eagles, adding layers of pressure and motivation for both teams. For New York, the challenge lies in finding new leaders and playmakers to fill the gap Barkley leaves behind. Daboll’s confidence and calm attitude will be tested as the Giants aim to exceed public expectations, especially following pessimistic betting odds that set their win total over/under at 8.5 games.
Julian Edelman’s reaction to the betting line was immediate and optimistic: “I’m going over all day.” This belief in the Giants’ potential rests heavily on Daboll’s ability to keep his team unified and resilient despite losing a player of Barkley’s caliber. As the season unfolds, each meeting between the Giants and Eagles will carry extra significance, symbolizing a battle not only of teams but also of contrasting leadership and perseverance.
The story of Saquon Barkley and Brian Daboll encapsulates the complex dynamics of leadership in professional sports: a dynamic tension between loss and renewal, heartbreak and hope, endings and fresh beginnings. With Daboll’s steady approach and Barkley’s vigorous new start, the 2025 NFL season promises to be one of intense competition and compelling narratives.