Jack Del Rio knows his team is facing a very dangerous running back this weekend.
At 6 feet and 232 pounds, the New York Giants’ Saquon Barkley is one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL. He has massive leg strength and is a great receiver out of the backfield, which could cause matchup problems for the Commanders’ pass defense.
On Thursday, in his weekly appointment with the media, Del Rio was asked about having had to prepare for such backs as Eagles RB D’Andre Swift, Falcons RB Bijan Robinson last week and now Barkley.
“All super talented,” Del Rio said. “Everybody has talent in this league, but that’s the way I’d answer that is they’re all super talented. They’re all a tremendous challenge. We prepare each week to face the one we’ve got. This week, we’ve got Saquon. He’s a heck of a player.”
Del Rio was then asked: What makes Barkley dangerous?
“It’s a combination. Everything everybody talks about. He’s explosive. His balance. His vision. Just a good football player.”
It was typical Jack Del Rio. Ron Rivera could take a lesson or two from Del Rio on how to respond to the media’s questions. Each week, Del Rio is direct and to the point, but he is absolutely not going to give you (or the upcoming opponent) anything regarding a game plan, nor anything technical.
Del Rio is very guarded, but he is also very consistent. You are not going to get any secrets from the former USC Trojan and NFL linebacker.
Even when Del Rio was asked to comment on the Commanders linebackers making some big plays last week against the Falcons, he acknowledged it, but no more.
“I thought it was a good day. We’d like to stack a few of those together,” he said.
Whether it’s Tyrod Taylor or Daniel Jones at quarterback Sunday, Del Rio acknowledged they both are athletic enough to make some things dangerous for the defense.
“(Taylor is) a good veteran quarterback, seen a lot, done a lot, has mobility. I think they can run their offense with either guy.”
“I think both guys are very capable. We’re putting a plan together, looking forward to going out and competing.”