Giants Determined to Contain Struggling Saquon Barkley and Prevent His Comeback
New York Giants Face Challenge Against Saquon Barkley in Upcoming Clash with Philadelphia Eagles
New York Giants Preparing for Saquon Barkley’s Potential Breakout Game
In 2025, Saquon Barkley has yet to showcase an explosive performance, and the New York Giants are determined not to be the team that ignites his spark. As they prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a crucial Week 6 home game, the Giants’ defensive tackle, Dexter Lawrence, emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline to avoid allowing Barkley to heat up.
Barkley’s Struggles and Giants’ Defensive Strategy
Through five games this season, Barkley has accumulated 267 rushing yards and three touchdowns, failing to exceed 90 rushing yards or achieve 100 scrimmage yards in any game. Despite a standout 2,005-yard campaign in 2024, Barkley has struggled to find his stride in 2025, with his longest run being just 17 yards. Last season, he recorded 17 runs over 20 yards and seven exceeding 40 yards.
The question arises whether Barkley’s decline is due to the wear from last year’s 345 carries — a common issue for high-volume runners — or if it’s his usage under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Likely, it’s a combination of both factors.
Challenges and Expectations for the Giants’ Defense
- Barkley’s output: 267 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 2025.
- Longest run of the season: 17 yards.
- Previous season: 2,005 rushing yards with multiple long runs.
In Week 6, Barkley recorded just six carries for 30 yards, marking his lowest since Week 11, 2021, primarily due to an injury. With the Eagles recently suffering their first defeat of the season and the ongoing debates about Barkley’s usage, the Giants anticipate a powerful offensive strategy from Philadelphia on Thursday night.
Anticipating a Shift in the Eagles’ Tactical Approach
Speaking to the New York Post, Giants safety Tyler Nubin expressed awareness of the Eagles’ likely adjustments. “When you don’t get your best guy involved and don’t get the result that you want, obviously things are gonna change. Definitely ready for that,” Nubin said, highlighting the team’s preparedness for a renewed focus on the Eagles’ run game.
As the Giants brace for a challenging face-off, the team’s success will hinge on their ability to anticipate and counter the threats posed by a potential resurgence from Barkley.
