New York Giants Running Backs
By Joe Tufaro
The New York Giants struggled last year running the ball. They did do much better in the post season, but not to the level Giants fans have enjoyed in recent memory. So, the question becomes is it mostly the offensive line, or the backs that are to blame? Changes will be made up front for sure, but what do you do in the backfield?
Ahmad Bradshaw is obviously the leader of this group. Drafted in 2007 and now the owner of two Super Bowl Rings, he is clearly the energy the Giants running game needs. The problem with Bradshaw is can he stay healthy. He has missed stretches in the past two years that have hurt the team. His inability to practice has not hurt his effectiveness on game day, and actually might keep him fresher and healthier throughout the year. Let’s hope he remains relatively healthy as he is the leader of this group.
D.J. Ware is now entering his 6th year in the NFL out of Georgia all with the New York Giants. D.J. has found it hard to break into the starting line up, but might get more of a chance this year behind Bradshaw. This is the guy that could make losing Brandon Jacobs no big deal. At 6’0″ 225 he is a strong inside runner and could spell Bradshaw when necessary.
Da’rel Scott was a rookie last year that had the misfortune of coming into the league after the lock out. He had a nice pre-season, but we all know that doesn’t always translate into the regular season. Scott showed a lot of speed, and could be the natural late game back to take advantage of a tired defense. They will need to integrate him into the passing game this off season, and see what he can do in space. Scott is 5’11” 210 and like we said possesses plenty of speed.
Andre Brown was originally a fourth round pick of the New York Giants in 2009. He was waived by the team due to injury and knocked around the league. The Giants re-signed him last year but did not play in any games. He will need to show some strengths to separate himself in training camp. Brown is listed at 6’0″ 227 and did not play in any gams this past season.
Joining this group is the impressive rookie out of Virginia Tech David Wilson. Wilson is 5’9″ and weighs in at 205. He has great strength and an uncanny ability to cut and spin away from tacklers. He would be a combination of Tiki and Dave Meggett, but with a little more athleticism and speed than either one. Adding him to the mix will be exciting this training camp. Eli just might have that new weapon he needs.
Also on the team is Joe Martinek, a rookie from Rutgers at 6’0″ and 225. Martinek might find a home at Special Teams first before getting too many carries on a game.
The Giants let Brandon Jacobs walk and that seems to sit fine with most people in the organization. It’s time to make Bradshaw the leader and integrate the youngsters into this team. Who will step up? Training Camp is going to be fun for the Giants and their fans this year with plenty of competition and many positions.