The Chicago Bears are familiar with New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. The dynamic weapon lit them up for 125 yards on the ground last season in the thick of Chicago’s playoff race, but it was his back-breaking runs on third down that were the most frustrating in the 30-27 overtime loss.
As the Bears prepare for a rematch against the Giants on Sunday, Chicago’s defense is determined to prevent a repeat performance by Barkley.
Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano praised Barkley’s speed, power, vision, patience, stiff-arm and stop-start acceleration — noting that containing him is going to be a tall order for this defense.
“If you don’t set an edge — no edge, no chance,” Pagano said, via the Chicago Tribune. “If he gets in the open field, he can take it the distance. He’s effective out of the backfield as a pass receiver as well, so he’s a three-down player.
“The only thing is pretty much the ankles on everyone are the same size, so you better get this guy wrapped up. We have to gang tackle, slide down and try and slide those ankles together. Usually if you do that, most guys will go down. Even this guy. He’s going to be a huge challenge for our defense.”
Barkley flashed during an impressive rookie season — where he averaged 4.7 yards per carry — but he hasn’t been as effective a runner this season, with 4.0 yards per carry, as he’s dealt with an ankle injury that sidelined him for three games.
Even without defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, the anchor of that run defense, the Bears’ defense is allowing just 3.6 yards per carry this season.
The goal for the Bears will be to contain Barkley and force rookie quarterback Daniel Jones to beat them.
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