5 Reasons Eli Manning can be the NFL MVP in 2015
By Jesse Connor
Dec 7, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) rushes for yardage against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. Giants defeated the Titans 36-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Shane Vereen and Rashad Jennings
These two running backs caught a combined 82 passes in 2014 and Jennings missed 5 games. The Giants haven’t had a receiving threat out of the back field since Derrick Ward caught 41 passes in 2008 and Ahmad Bradshaw caught 47 in 2010. Now they have two on the roster. Don’t expect Vereen and Jennings to have 40 receptions each but they may come close.
They provide a safety valve for Manning as they can stay in to block and leak out if nothing develops downfield. Or they can simply be motioned out of the backfield and Manning will know he has a trusted back who will catch the ball. Their presence will keep defenses honest when they’re in the game due to the equal chance they can run a route as they will take a handoff.
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