3 players the Commanders must keep quiet at the NY Giants in Week 7

Which New York Giants players must the Washington Commanders keep quiet to get one over on their divisional rivals in Week 7?

Beating the New York Giants begins and ends with stopping Saquon Barkley. The Washington Commanders know that better than most since they share the same division with the G-Men and their Pro Bowl running back.

Barkley isn't the only Giant who needs to be contained at MetLife Stadium in Week 7, with a dynamic tight end and dominant defensive tackle also on the list.

Let's get into the three primary threats Washington must keep quiet as they look to build on their victory at the Atlanta Falcons.

Commanders must commit to stopping Saquon Barkley

Corralling Saquon Barkley is never easy, but the Washington Commanders need everybody up front to commit to the cause in an NFC East clash they should win. That means filling all gaps with Burgundy helmets and forcing him to run sideways instead of vertically.

The Commanders have the personnel to do this, at least in theory. Any team that's invested so many first-round draft picks along the defensive line should expect to be able to stop the run. The problem is Washington's defense is surrendering 4.6 yards per carry on the ground.

That number's a bad omen ahead of facing one of the NFL's best backs. Especially when Barkley often gets stronger as a game progresses.

He did exactly this against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. Barkley ripped off consecutive long runs in the fourth quarter. The second of those gains was highlighted by DAZN.

Stalling Barkley demands gap control, discipline, and technique. All of the things defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio's unit has been lacking too often this season.

The Commanders' defense has also found it hard to stop players at another position where the Giants have a potential game-winner.

Commanders need a plan for Darren Waller

Veteran tight end Darren Waller probably allowed himself a smile when watching the game film of the Washington Commanders against the Atlanta Falcons. He will have seen tight ends Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith both find the end zone.

Waller has yet to score a touchdown in a New York Giants uniform following his high-profile trade from the Las Vegas Raiders. But he's unlikely to get a better chance.

The Commanders could struggle to keep the Pro Bowler in check because they're overmatched at the linebacker level. Neither Cody Barton nor Jamin Davis are likely to stay with Waller in coverage, so defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio needs a different matchup.

Putting any one of physical cornerbacks Kendall Fuller or Benjamin St-Juste over No. 12 would be a good start. Then the Commanders need to have a corner follow Waller all over the field.

Keeping Waller and Saquon Barkley quiet is the key to stymying a struggling Giants' offense. But the Commanders have just one focus for New York's defense.

Commanders must restrict Dexter Lawrence

The New York Giants defense succeeds when Dexter Lawrence is living in the backfield. He's been a problem for the Washington Commanders in the past, and the hulking nose tackle is too much for any one blocker.

Center Nick Gates has the inside track on Lawrence from his own time with the Giants, but the Commanders' pivotman will need additional assistance. That help maybe shouldn't come from right guard Sam Cosmi, who was tossed aside too easily by Calais Campbell last week.

Cosmi has been beaten up along the interior this season, just like fellow guard Saahdiq Charles. Both are converted tackles prized for their mobility, but the Commanders lack the kind of play strength in the trenches to handle somebody like Lawrence.

Perhaps moving 6-foot-8, 328-pound Cornelius Lucas inside could give the Commanders the necessary size advantage. What harm could it do?

Ultimately, it's going to take a collective and creative approach. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy needs to show Lawrence different looks, including double teams, wham blocks from tight end John Bates, and regular chipping by running backs.

Essentially, the Commanders must do everything they can think of to prevent Lawrence from taking over this game. Otherwise, more hits will be coming Sam Howell's way.