Instant Analysis: Why Brandon Jacobs was always going to be the one
As you probably already heard, the New York Giants and Brandon Jacobs have agreed to a one-year deal, paving the way for his return to Big Blue.
Feb 5, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) yells out before Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Since training camp people have assumed the Giants would eventually bring in a veteran back to compliment their young runners, David Wilson, Da’Rel Scott, and rookie Michael Cox. To be honest, I was a little shocked it took this long to make it happen.
A lot of names were thrown around like Willis McGahee, Michael Turner, Jonathan Dwyer (after he got cut), Beanie Wells, and the list goes on.
I always thought that Brandon Jacobs made the most sense out of this group, so I am not surprised at all that the team finally took the plunge and signed Jacobs after Wilson’s horrendous performance on Sunday night. Here’s why Jacobs was always going to be the back the Giants would bring in:
Feb 5, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates a victory against New England Patriots after Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Leadership & Familiarity – Jacobs has the fourth most rushing records all time in Giants history, 4,849 yards, and was on two Super Bowl championship teams. He knows the Giants offense, so it won’t take long for him to catch-up and he is already respected within the locker room. In fact, I believe his leadership ability and intensity will be his biggest contribution to the 2013 New York Giants.
Jan 8, 2011; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) runs against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Wild card game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Farrell/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Size – Currently the biggest runningback on the Giants roster is rookie Michael Cox at 6’0, 220lbs. While Jacobs wasn’t always the best short yardage back, at 6’4, 260+ lbs, he brings an element of physicality to the Giants running game that they just don’t have now.
Look, I am not going to say Jacobs’ time in New York was always smooth sailing. He has had times where he was a hot head and caused some issues in the media, but after sitting out basically all of last season, I am hoping he has learned just how quickly everything can be taken away from you in the NFL. If he can still bring the fire and intensity that he used to show, then he will be a HUGE addition to the New York Giants. He should also be able to help mentor Wilson in the art of pass blocking and ball security. I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t wait to see Jacobs trucking people again.