Giants Q&A: Why was Saquon Barkley underused in second half?

Giants running back Saquon Barkley carries the ball and runs it in for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. Photo Credit: Getty Images/ElsaSaquon Barkley had 94 rushing yards, 37 receiving yards and two touchdowns at halftime. In the second half he touched the ball five times for a total of 11 yards. What happened?

Pat Shurmur turned his back on the most dynamic player in the Giants’ offense at a time when he should have been leaning on the rookie running back to close out the game. He blamed the mistakes by others – sacks allowed and penalties and “all that bad stuff” that pushed the Giants backward – for not being able to employ the…