The Washington Commanders are set to face-off against New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley on Sunday, a task that has proved challenging for many teams this season. Barkley has accumulated an impressive 2,329 yards on the ground, ranking him among the elite in the league. He is only the third player to reach 2,200-plus yards in a single season, joining Terrell Davis and Eric Dickerson.
Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. acknowledges that stopping Barkley will be a tough task, requiring an 11-man effort. The running back’s ability to consistently gain 3-5 yard chunks before breaking into longer, more explosive runs makes him a formidable opponent. Whitt emphasized the importance of being disciplined and not giving up on a single play, as Barkley can turn one into a long gain at any moment.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner agrees, highlighting the team’s need to be consistent in their tackling and containment efforts throughout the entire game. Washington has struggled to contain opponents on the ground, ranking 30th in the NFL with 138.9 rush yards allowed per game.
Head coach Dan Quinn, who has previously coached opposite Barkley while with the Dallas Cowboys, notes that the running back’s rare combination of size, quickness, and change of direction makes him particularly challenging to stop. Quinn cites his team’s need to be prepared for explosive plays and to consistently keep Barkley’s runs to shorter gains.
With the Commanders facing off against a Giants team behind one of the best offensive lines in the league, they will need to be sharp in their tackling and contain efforts to slow down Barkley. The outcome will be a telling one for the Commanders, who have struggled to stop the run all season.