When it was time for David Wilson to touch the football in 2012, the Giants knew they were just one big play away from scoring. Wilson’s rookie season was sprinkled with ups and downs that left fans curious and wanting to see more. The 2013 regular season is upon us and Wilson has a chance to show the world he’s ready to step up and carry the load as the team’s new featured running back.
The dynamic of the Giants running game will look entirely different this season. A year ago Wilson provided the change of pace to Ahmad Bradshaw and Andre Brown. Bradshaw was the emotional veteran leader of the offense who’s gritty and smash-mouth style was complimented by Brown’s short-yardage abilities along with Wilson’s speed and big-play potential. The Giants parted ways with Bradshaw in the off-season and lost Brown to an injury in the preseason that could sideline him for much of the first half to the season schedule. They’ll need much more from Wilson in his sophomore year, he’s no longer just and option for them in the running game, he’s now the main option.
The Giants already know what to expect from Wilson running the football and returning kicks on special teams. His speed is a weapon that opposing defenses should continue finding difficulty to contain. However, it remains to be seen if Wilson can show consistency in pass-protection situations and he’ll be expected to fill in for Brown’s third down and short-yardage roles. The Giants struggled scoring touchdowns in the red zone last season, Wilson’s also going to need help cure that problem. Wilson’s progression in these areas will be key as it’s vital to an offense that will most likely have to be relied on heavy for points.
There comes a time where potential takes us to a certain point and the need to produce becomes the reality. Wilson learned the hard way early last season what head coach Tom Coughlin’s doghouse was like when he fumbled the football away. He didn’t get another chance consistently from Coughlin until the end of the season drew near. The Giants didn’t take Wilson with a first round draft pick if they didn’t think he could one day carry the load for them at running back. Wilson has the trust of Coughlin this time and the cards have lined up for this to be his breakout year, the Giants are going to need him to be ready.