Three key matchups for the Panthers against the Giants

Saquon Barkley vs. the Panther run defense

This is a matchup that I am really excited to watch. How will the Giants running backs perform against the Carolina Panthers run defense? More specifically. how will Saquon Barkley do against the defense?

Last week, Barkley wore out the Saints defense to the tune of 44 yards and a touchdown of the ground.  Other Giants stepped up and did their part as well. In a bit of a role reversal, Beckham Jr. was the second-leading rusher for the Giants on the afternoon as he carried it once for 10 yards. There is no doubt Barkley is an explosive playmaker. However, they need other players (I’m looking at you, Wayne Gallman) to step up and help carry the load against a stout Panther run defense.

The Panthers are tied with Baltimore in possessing the fifth-best run defense in the National Football League. Giving up 330 yards on the ground, they have only really struggled once this season in their contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The week before, they were able to contain Ezekiel Elliot and Barkley is similar in the sense that he can give defenses fits. He has rushed for 260 yards and three touchdowns on the  season, including a 106-yard effort against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the season opener.

Power against power will be on full display with this matchup. It will be interesting to see who wins the battle.