Chicago Bears must expose Saquon Barkley’s weakness
The Chicago Bears need to blitz the New York Giants consistently
What is the weakness for Saquon Barkey? He has it all. He is big, strong, fast, quick jump cuts, and power. He can catch and leap players with ease, and anyone with Madden wants use him. What is the issue?
One of his bigger weaknesses has been exposed in recent weeks. That is his pass protection. Last year, Jamal Adams exposed Barkley and sacked Daniel Jones in what led to a strip touchdown for Adams. Barkley had issues in pass pro before, but from there, it started to become a bigger topic.
It also started to become a bigger issue. Take a look at this video of Barkley consistently getting beaten in pass protection and allowing his quarterback to be sacked.
The Pittsburgh Steelers studied the tape and came into Week One with a game plan. They blitzed at one of the higher rates of the week, and Mike Hilton was able to dance around Barkley with ease on way to a sack. This has started to gain traction, and even former Giants running back Tiki Barber called out Barkley.
Barkley is going to get his, but an easy way to get him back is to blitz him. Showing blitz can force Jones to audible and force Barkley to stay in as an extra blocker. It can take him out of the pass game, but also expose him as a liability.
Buster Skrine has had success blitzing in the past, but the biggest beneficiary should be Roquan Smith. Smith is an excellent blitzer, not only due to his speed, but due to his awareness and timing. He knows when to show, and when to rush, and he would be a huge mismatch for Barkley coming down hill.
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A sack that turns into a turnover or ends up with a punt could be a game changing moment. The Bears need to relentlessly attack Barkley in pass protection, and force the Giants to handle the blitz.