EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants' offensive strength will have an opportunity to attack the Houston Texans' primary defensive weakness when the teams meet Sunday in MetLife Stadium.
Will the home team be able to take advantage and win its seventh game, or will the 1-6-1 Texans find a way to stop Saquon Barkley and pull off a surprise result?
The Giants have the NFL's fifth-ranked rushing offense, averaging 161.5 yards a game. Barkley is third in the league in both rushing yards (779) and yards-per-game (97.4).
The Houston defense that will try to stop him has not fared nearly as well. The Texans rank 32nd and last in the NFL in run defense, allowing 180.6 yards a game. That is 32 yards more per game than the next worst team, the Detroit Lions (whom the Giants host next week).
"That doesn't mean anything," Barkley said. "I don't really read into that – to the numbers. Obviously, statistically their rush defense is not up there. It's not the highest. Seattle, when we played Seattle, their rush defense wasn't up there. It wasn't the highest. They did a really good job of game planning and scheming the run (holding the Giants to a season-low 78 rushing yards).
"Every week, it's a new challenge. It's the NFL; there's a lot of good players over there. They got a talented team – great coach. Great scheme. You got to take it – take every week (as) a new opportunity and a new challenge to get better. That's the main focus."
The Texans have allowed the two-highest rushing yardage totals in the NFL this season: 314 against Tennessee on Oct. 30 (when Derrick Henry ran for 219 yards) and 281 yards at Chicago on Sept. 25. The third game on that list is the Bears' giving up 262 rushing yards on Oct. 2 – to the Giants and Barkley, who ran for 146 yards.
Defensive tackle Meliek Collins – who mans what coach Lovie Smith calls "the most important position" on the defense - missed the last two-plus games with a chest injury. Not coincidentally, the Raiders, Titans and Eagles ran for a combined 621 yards. Collins is listed as questionable for Sunday.
These numbers might indicate the Giants own the advantage, but you'll never convince coach Brian Daboll of that.
"I think anytime you look at the stats and where everybody is, you just think, 'Boy, this team should run, this team has trouble stopping it,'" Daboll said. "Each week, you're trying to improve - I'll speak for our team - on things we're not doing as well. And you anticipate that from every other team. There's going to be extra guys down in the box. There has been the whole year. We're going to have to do a good job of blocking them, blocking the stuff that they do, which they create some problems, too.
"I know they've given up some big ones. Henry had some big ones (runs of 41, 30 and 29 yards). Henry made three guys miss in the hole. He could have been tackled for a two-yard gain. Instead, it goes for 40 yards. So, running with the ball well. Making people miss in space, handling their movement – which they move a bunch. They've got some quick guys up front. They've got some good veterans, too, that know how to do it. Every week's a challenge regardless. I don't get involved in 'This team ranks here. This team ranks here,' because each week's different. You'd like to do what you do well, and sometimes that doesn't happen. You have to have an answer to, 'Hey. They have so many guys down there, we just can't get it going.' You better be able to pass it and run it based on how they play and how you're playing, too."
As Daboll noted, opposing defenses have committed extra defenders to stop the Giants' rushing attack all season. Seattle succeeded using that tactic in its two-touchdown victory on Oct. 30. Barkley believes the Giants can turn it to their advantage.
"The beauty of having more people in the box – the safeties, they're a little tired," he said. "Once you get past a certain level, there's really no one else back there. So, you've got to capitalize on that. But that's really not up to me. The coaches are going to continue to do a great job of doing creative things to put the ball in our playmakers hands to make plays – especially when D.J. (quarterback Daniel Jones) can make plays with his feet and when we get down the field and start getting passes together on the drive and be a little more consistent on the drive, the run game is going to continue to open up. It's a balance. We've got to balance each other, and that's something we look forward to doing in the second half of the season."
The unit that can place the most significant obstacles to the Giants' seemingly obvious path to victory is Houston's offense. Though not highly rated (28th with 290.5 yards a game and 29th with an average of 16.6 points a game), the Texans have their own standout running back in rookie Dameon Pierce.
A fourth-round draft choice from Florida, Pierce leads all first-year players and is sixth in the league with 678 rushing yards and is fifth with 84.8 yards a game. He had season-high totals of 27 carries and 139 yards in the Texans loss last week to Philadelphia.
Pierce has certainly grabbed the attention of defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
"I don't know who said something to him or did something to him to make him so angry, but that might be the angriest runner in the league," Martindale said. "I'll give you my comparisons again: old, old school, Earl Campbell, Jamal Lewis. He's one of those big (218-pound) power backs that has great balance. Runs mad every time he touches it. Has quick feet. It's going to be (a) tough assignment.
"He's a throwback running back. I wish I wasn't playing him because it would be fun just to watch him. He's that type of runner. He's tough as nails."
Cornerback Adoree' Jackson is one of numerous Giants defenders who have been impressed watching tape of Pierce.
"I compare him a little bit to (Las Vegas Raiders running back) Josh Jacobs (who gained 132 of his 143 rushing yards after Collins exited the game in the first quarter of their game on Oct. 23) – how strong and hard and powerful he was," Jackson said. "He just doesn't want to get down. He's out there just making people miss and running hard and getting those extra yards. To be a rookie, he's done a great job out there with that ball."
*The bye week was good for the Giants' health. Only two players, both rookies, have been declared out of the game vs. Houston on Sunday, tight end Daniel Bellinger (eye) and right tackle Evan Neal (knee).
Three players are listed as questionable: wide receiver Kenny Golladay (who missed the last four games with a knee injury), linebacker Oshane Ximines (sidelined two games with a quad injury) and cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (out three games with a calf injury).
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Houston Texans.
New York Giants' Tiki Barber (21) runs down the sideline for a gain of 70 yards as Houston Texans' Matt Stevens (26), Jeff Posey (98) and Marcus Coleman (42) chase him during the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, in Houston. (AP Photo/Richard Carson)
New York Giants' Michael Strahan (92) flexes his muscle after sacking Houston Texans quarterback David Carr during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, in Houston. (AP Photo/Richard Carson)
Houston Texans' tight end Owen Daniels (81) loses the ball as he is hit by New York Giants' Corey Webster while Giants' James Butler (37) looks on in fourth quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. The Giants won, 14 - 10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Houston Texans' running back Wali Lundy, right, looks for running room around New York Giants' R.W. McQuarters (25) during first quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
Houston Texans safety Glenn Earl (26) attempts to tackle New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) as he picks up 21 yards during first quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Texans' Dunta Robinson (23) and Giants' Jim Finn look on. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, right, passes the ball as he is pressured by Houston Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans fullback Jameel Cook fumbles the ball as he is hit by New York Giants linebacker Gerris Wilkinson during fourth quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) is tackled New York Giants linebacker Carlos Emmons (51) and safety Will Demps during third quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Texans, 14-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Houston Texans' Glenn Earl (26) tries to tackle New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs (27) during first half NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. . 5, 2006. The Giants won, 14 - 10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants' running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs with the ball as Houston Texans' Glenn Earl tries to bring him down during first quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber, center, tries to squeeze past Houston Texans defenders Morlon Greenwood (56) and C.C. Brown, right, during fourth quarter NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. The Giants won, 14-10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants' Corey Webster (23) recovers a fumble by Houston Texans' Jameel Cook in the fourth quarter of NFL football action at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. Texans' Zach Wiegert (72) tries to pull Webster down and Giants' Will Demps (47) is also on the play. Giants won, 14 - 10. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) scores on a 16-yard touchdown run as Houston Texans free safety C.C. Brown pushes him during first-quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) is stopped by Houston Texans free safety C.C. Brown, right, and cornerback Demarcus Faggins, left, during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) goes over the top and under Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams (90) to score a touchdown in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss (89) is tackled by Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing (56) in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants running back Darius Reynaud (15) is double teamed by Houston Texans Jonathan Weeks (46) and Darryl Sharpton in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants running back Darius Reynaud (15) in the second quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) runs against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) is stopped by Houston Texans' Glover Quin in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Steve Smith (12) is chased by Houston Texans' Kareem Jackson (25) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the second quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Eli Manning (10) calls to teammates in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Steve Smith (12) is chased by Houston Texans' Kareem Jackson (25) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants' Chris Canty (99) moves past Houston Texans' Wade Smith in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) pulls along four Houston Texans defenders, including Adewale Ogunleye (99), in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. The Giants won 34-10. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) and Houston Texans safety Bernard Pollard (31) in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks (88) is stopped by Houston Texans' Glover Quin in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants' Steve Smith (12) is chased by Houston Texans' Kareem Jackson (25) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Houston Texans' Matt Schaub (8) throws a shuttle pass as he is pressured by New York Giants' Chris Cantyin the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Houston Texans cornerback Brice McCain (21) stops New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith (12) in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) drags Houston Texans safety Troy Nolan (33) for a first down in the first quarter an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) scores a touchdown in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) in the first quarter an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is pulled down by Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) on his way to a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) scores a touchdown during a week 3 football game against the Houston Texans on September 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) brings the all up field against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Houston Texans during a week 3 football game on September 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) takes the ball up field for a first down against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waits for the snap against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) takes the ball up field after intercepting a pass against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) carries the ball against the Houston Texans during a NFL week 3 regular season football game on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 30-17. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) brings the all up field against the Houston Texans in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) falls across the goal line for a touchdown against Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) looks for a hole in the Houston Texans defense during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) pulls in a pass for a touchdown against Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) leaps over Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws against the Houston Texans in the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) pulls in a pass for a touchdown against Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Fells (85) is pushed out of bounds after catching a touchdown pass against Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) as New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (21) looks on in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) falls across the goal line for a touchdown against Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (34) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) avoids a tackle from Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) on his way to a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) returns an interception 25 yards during a week 3 football game against the Houston Texans on September 21, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84) is tripped up by Houston Texans free safety Kendrick Lewis (21) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Houston Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Houston Texans during a week 3 NFL football game on Sunday September 23, 2018 in Houston (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
New York Giants defensive end Kerry Wynn (72) strips the ball away from Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. The Giants recovered the fumble.(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison (85) dives for a touchdown after catching a pass as Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) runs with ball as Houston Texans defensive back Aaron Colvin (22) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) breaks away from Houston Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) as rushes for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) is tackled by New York Giants' Damon Harrison Sr. (98) and B.W. Webb (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Adoree' Jackson Dane Belton
Isaiah Hodgins
A look down the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday November 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Daniel Jones (8)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday November 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday November 14, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Darius Slayton (86)
Daniel Jones
Jason Pinnock
