OBJ vs. Ramsey leads list of Week 1 matchups for New York Giants

Saquon Barkley vs. Jacksonville’s LBs

If Ramsey and OBJ are the most hyped storyline of this week, Saquon Barkey’s debut is a close second. The Giants invested their highest draft selection in over three decades on a running back, and the expectations could not be higher for the 21-year-old out Penn State.

He’s ready for a full workload after missing the team’s last three preseason games with a hamstring injury. He’s expected to receive it on Sunday.

The Giants plan to utilize their versatile rookie out of the backfield and as a receiver, but he faces a tough challenge against Jacksonville’s linebackers.

Both Telvin Smith and Myles Jack have the ability to make plays in pass coverage and against the run. Smith earned Pro Football Focus’ highest run defensive grade for a linebacker in 2017.

He also has no problem dropping in coverage on a tight end or running back, recording five passes defended and three interceptions last season.

The Giants may look to find a way to get Barkley in one-on-one matchups with Jaguars rookie linebacker Leon Jacobs. The seventh-round draft pick out of Wisconsin has earned the starting role in Jacksonville’s defense and knows very well what Barkley is capable of since they both played in the Big Ten.

The Jaguars posted the league’s second-best defense last season in terms of yards allowed, but if they had any weakness, it was their inability to stop the run. That’s something the Giants will need to take advantage of if they hope to pull off the upset.

It all starts up front with the offensive line. But Barkley must also execute his job, especially when he finds himself one-on-one with a Jaguars linebacker.