New York Giants: What Kind Of Running Back Do We Need?
The New York Giants need to get more production out of their running backs, that is quite simply not debatable. For the sake of this conversation let us assume that Andre Williams and Rashad Jennings are not the answer at running back. Let’s not even come up with replacements. The only thing I want to figure out is what type of running back do the Giants need in Ben McAdoo’s offense.
Dec 14, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo before a game against the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
McAdoo runs his variation of the west coast offense. The offense is very reliant on the short and intermediate passing game, and can sometimes use passes to replace the running game. That is why the Giants offense needs a running back who can catch passes coming out of the backfield.
This is also why the running back for the Giants needs to be a competent pass protector. The offensive line is not the only group of players that must help protect the quarterback. The backs pitch in as well.
The Giants don’t need an Adrian Peterson like running back. They don’t need a powerful dominating back who can get the rock 30 times a game and get 150 yards on the ground. Of course no team would turn that kind of production from a back down but that isn’t what the Giants need.
The Giants need someone who can average 4 yards per carry providing the offensive line does a somewhat adequate job. The Giants need to have a productive ground game so that the offense can be balanced an unpredictable. They also need a back for short yardage situations.
So here is the requisite skills for this position
- Ability to catch out of the backfield and get yards after the catch
- Ability to pass protect
- Ability to average 4 yards per carry
- Ability to get the tough yards in short yardage situations
Let us know in the comment section below, who you think could fill this job description!
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