Wanted: Big Bruising RB That Won’t Complain About His Roll On The Team Or Throw Helmets.
The Giants are in desperate need of a running back to complement starter Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw’s unique cutback and elusive abilities are already being put to good use — the Giants therefor are searching for a running back with:
1) a great attitude
2) a player that can step in and do what’s asked — hit the hole hard in a northerly direction, not east or west. (that’s Bradshaw’s job)
3) aid the offensive line with his size to help move the pile and provide some extra push in short yardage situations.
4) be a good teammate
5) be a professional and not throw helmets when things don’t go his way
TIMELY UPDATE: Larry Johnson was just released by the Washington Redskins! GM Bruce Allen said of Johnson’ shocking release:
"“We appreciate Larry’s attitude and contributions to the Redskins. However, we needed to make a roster move in preparation for this week’s game against the Rams.”"
Johnson’s agent says of the situation:
"“Larry feels he’s in great shape and has a lot to offer to teams, and as I told the Redskins, it’s my job to try to find Larry the best possible situation. His preference would have been to play for the Redskins for the remainder of his career. But given the fact right now that he’s unemployed, we’re going to look at every other alternative that’s out there and try to find a great situation for him.”"
Did I mention Larry Johnson also wear’s a #27 jersey? Eerie…
Would Larry Johnson be a good fit on the Giants? It’s hard to say. I’m not sure that he replaces Brandon Jacobs across the board, he’s more of a mixture between Jacobs and Derrick Ward I’d have to say in terms of speed, build, and how he could be used in the backfield. But as the Post article says he’s in good shape and has a great attitude about contributing where he can on his football team.
Tom Coughlin has not been opposed to bring in other players to try out for a spot on the roster when something does not sit right for him (kickers and Lawrence Tynes), even if it’s just to provide an extra kick in the pants for those members that are looking to be “replaced.” So if Brandon Jacobs is going to be this big a distraction and an unreliable compliment to starter Ahmad Bradshaw, I assume the Giants would at least be interested in bringing Johnson in for a workout.
The other angle of course is that there is a new regime in Washington, one that just put up over 400 yards of offense and 27 points on the board, something that Skins fans haven’t seen much of since well before the Jim Zorn era. So the Giants, if nothing else with the acquisition of Larry Johnson, could benefit from the inside perspective on what’s changed about the scheme in D.C.
Timing, as they say, really is everything.