3 Key Matchups to watch in Green Bay Packers v. Giants
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers run defense vs. Saquon Barkley
I’ve already discussed this matchup in a previous article, but I have to bring it up again because it is going to be one of the determining factors in Sunday’s game.
This is a Giants offense that has relied quite heavily on the run game, ranking fourth in attempts per game. Barkley, meanwhile, is leading the league in rushing yards and is averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He’s been incredibly difficult to bring down, ranking among the best in yards after contact, missed tackles forced, and runs of 10 or more yards.
Stopping the run needs to be the Packers’biggest priority, with Daniel Jones rarely pushing the ball downfield and the Giants’ receivers underwhelming this season. However, the Packers faced a similar matchup last week against the run-heavy Patriots, who still ran for 167 yards at 5.1 yards per attempt.
Slowing Barkley begins with the Packers coming out of their cover-2 shell more often, especially with the struggles that New York has had pushing the ball downfield, and playing with heavier boxes.
But on top of the changes Barry can make schematically, the players simply have to perform better as well. Especially last Sunday against New England, we saw poor run fits, not getting off blocks, and edges not being set. Missed tackles have also been an issue this season. As LaFleur said, it’s going to take all 11 players swarming to the ball against Barkley.
The Packers’ offense can also play a helping hand in slowing Barkley. By giving the defense a lead to work with, it will put New York in more obvious passing situations and allow this Packers pass rush to pin its ears back against a Giants’ offensive line that has allowed the highest pressure rate in the NFL.