New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is one of the most dynamic players in football and poses a matchup nightmare for defenses on a weekly basis.
That will remain true on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, but there’s a player on the opposite side who creates his own sort of headaches.
Demario Davis is the third-highest-graded linebacker in football this season and among the best against the run. That’s not an anomaly, says Barkley. The numbers, grades, and analytics match what you see on film and what the running back has seen on the field in the past.
“He’s a heck of a player,” Barkley said of Davis unprompted.
Even at the age of 34, Barkley believes Davis is at the top of his game.
“He’s been doing it for so long. He’s so smart, so instinctive. He’s tough, he’s physical. He’s a running back matchup nightmare to be honest, just the things he can do,” Barkley said. “I’d say more of just it really starts with his IQ. I forgot — I don’t know what years he’s in, but it isn’t like he lost a step at all. He’s instinctive, he can play anywhere. He’s a good player, a really good player.”
Although Davis presents a unique individual challenge, his presence against the run is not shared by his teammates. The Saints allow 131.5 rushing yards per game, which is sixth-worst in the NFL.
If the Giants can focus on and isolate Davis this Sunday, keeping him off of Saquon’s back, it will go a long way in helping them pick up their fourth straight victory.
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