ASHBURN, Va. – The Washington Commanders are gearing up for a tough challenge as they prepare to face Philadelphia Eagles’ star running back, Saquon Barkley. Known for his explosive runs and unmatched athleticism, Barkley has been a dominant force throughout the 2024 season. His ability to break through defenses has made him a nightmare for opponents, and Washington’s defense knows they have a fight on their hands.
Barkley, who comes from a boxing background, plays the game like a prizefighter—wearing down defenses with short gains before delivering knockout runs. With a record-breaking season behind him, the Commanders will need to be disciplined and strategic to contain him.
Saquon Barkley’s Dominant 2024 Season
Barkley has had an incredible year, leading the NFL in rushing yards (2,005 yards in 16 games) and breaking records with six touchdowns of 60+ yards—the most ever in a single season. His combination of power, speed, and vision makes him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.
In the divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams, Barkley showcased his explosive ability with two massive touchdown runs of 62 and 78 yards. Out of his 205 rushing yards, 140 came from just two plays, proving his game-changing potential.
“He’s waiting for one person to be undisciplined,” said Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner. “As soon as he sees it, he’s gone.”
Washington’s Plan to Contain Barkley
1. Defensive Discipline is Key
Washington’s defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr., emphasized that staying disciplined and maintaining gap integrity will be the most important factors in stopping Barkley.
“If you’re not in the right spot, he’s going to exploit it,” Whitt said. “It takes 11-man football to stop this guy.”
2. Stopping the Explosive Runs
In their Week 16 matchup, Barkley broke free for a 68-yard touchdown in the first quarter and finished the game with 150 rushing yards on 29 carries. Even earlier in the season, the Commanders contained him for three quarters before he erupted for two late touchdowns that secured a win for Philadelphia.
Washington knows they need to limit the big plays if they want to have a chance.
3. Gang-Tackling and Physicality
Defensive tackle Daron Payne stressed the importance of gang-tackling and making sure multiple defenders swarm Barkley on every play.
“Everybody has to be locked in,” Payne said. “He’s too good to bring down one-on-one.”
Why Barkley is So Difficult to Defend
1. Vision and Quickness
Washington’s head coach Dan Quinn pointed out Barkley’s unique skill set—he combines the agility of a small back with the power of a big back.
“He has this ability to start and stop instantly while still being strong enough to run through tackles,” Quinn said. “That’s rare.”
2. Eagles’ Offensive Line and Scheme
Barkley’s success isn’t just about his talent—he’s also running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, coached by Jeff Stoutland. The Eagles’ blocking scheme, paired with the running ability of quarterback Jalen Hurts, creates additional problems for defenses.
“They can move people upfront,” Whitt said. “Add two elite receivers, a great tight end, and a quarterback who can run, and it’s tough to defend.”
Washington’s Defensive Struggles Against the Run
Washington has had trouble stopping the run all season, ranking 30th in rushing yards allowed per game (137.5 yards). According to ESPN, they also rank last against outside runs, which is where Barkley is most dangerous.
Quinn and Whitt have been preparing their defense for this challenge, focusing on tackling and discipline. Quinn emphasized the importance of maintaining fundamentals late in the season.
“If other teams are getting worse at tackling, we need to get better,” Quinn said. “It’s a premium in games like this.”
Jalen Hurts: Another Threat on the Ground
While Barkley is the primary focus, Washington must also account for Jalen Hurts, who is dangerous with his legs. Even with a knee injury, Hurts remains a running threat, forcing defenses to stay alert.
“If he runs, we’re going to treat him like a running back,” Whitt said. “And we’re going to hit him like one.”
Final Thoughts: A True Test for Washington’s Defense
Stopping Saquon Barkley won’t be easy, but the Commanders know their success depends on it. With a struggling run defense and a history of giving up big plays, they must be perfect in their assignments. As linebacker Frankie Luvu put it:
“Going against the best brings out the best in you. Barkley is one of the best, so we have to bring our A-game.”
The Commanders don’t just want to contain Barkley—they want to prove they can stand toe-to-toe with one of the league’s elite. If they can slow him down, they’ll give themselves a fighting chance.
As Ric Flair once said:
“To be the man, you gotta beat the man.”
