Huard: How do Seahawks slow down Saquon Barkley? It’s on the offense

Sunday features a matchup of two surprise contenders as the NFC West-leading Seahawks host the 6-1 New York Giants.

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Under longtime head coach Pete Carroll, the Seahawks have thrived with Geno Smith at quarterback leading one of the NFL’s top offenses while the defense, thanks in large part to rookie defensive backs, has put together back-to-back good performances after a rocky start.

The Giants, meanwhile, are already at six wins under first-year head coach Brian Daboll, the former offensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills. The Giants have won all their games by one possession, and the defense ranks fifth in scoring defense.

New York’s offense, though, has complemented that defense well despite ranking 19th in scoring because of its second-ranked rushing attack. Running back Saquon Barkley is finally healthy and has thrived in Daboll’s offense, ranking second in the NFL in rushing yards entering Week 8.

Barkley is easily the Giants’ most dangerous player, so what’s the biggest key for the Seahawks in terms of limiting his production? Former NFL quarterback Brock Huard tackled that question during Thursday’s Brock and Salk on Seattle Sports 710 AM.

“This is one of those games you always look at it like ‘Oh, this is obviously (on) the Seahawks’ defense. It’s all about the D-line, it’s all about the defense,'” Huard said. “No, this is about the offense and this is about scoring touchdowns and making the Giants play a game that they are unfamiliar with.”

Because the Giants ranking second in the NFL in rushing yards, they also excel in time of possession, entering Week 8 ranked fifth in that category. By limiting getting ahead early, the Seahawks can limit Barkley’s carries and put the Giants in an uncomfortable spot, Huard said.

“There are some incredibly positive numbers when it comes to the Seahawks (with this matchup), but the biggest of it is get ahead and make (the Giants) throw,” Huard said. “They want to run. They want Daniel Jones to run — he’s got the third-most rushing yards as a QB this year. He’s throwing 27 times a game. You have got to get his pass attempts up and Saquon’s carries down, and you do that like getting ahead. I know can’t win a game in the first quarter. You’re not gonna win it, but you’re gonna set the table for the fourth quarter if you do so.”

Listen to the second hour of Thursday’s Brock and Salk at this link or in the player below.

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