Redskins vs. Giants: 5 players to watch in Week 8 of 2018

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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 14: Running back Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled by defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Payne has been a such a big acquisition for the Redskins. Figuratively and literally. Payne has been immovable as a run stuffer, and he has been the last piece needed to complete the team’s excellent front seven. And on Sunday, he will face one of his biggest tests yet.

A week after helping the Redskins limit Ezekiel Elliott to just 33 rushing yards, Payne will have to help lead the team against fellow rookie Saquon Barkley. So far this season, Barkley has been one of the best backs in the NFL. He has excellent elusive ability and is one of the toughest players to bring down.

While Barkley has this elusiveness coupled with game-breaking speed, Payne is quick in his own right and has shown the ability to shoot through gaps and make like difficult for running backs. That should continue on Sunday, and Payne vs. Barkley will really be the marquee matchup.

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If Payne can dominate the Giants offensive line and make it hard for Barkley to find space, it will be huge for him, and it will give the team a chance to completely shut down the Giants offense. That makes him the top player to watch, as he should be a key part of the team’s defensive strategy.

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