The New York Giants made a swift signing this offseason, picking up Shane Vereen in free agency. Vereen was thought to be a hot commodity because of his unique skillset as a receiver out of the backfield. Vereen is rewarding the Giants investment.
Vereen has caught 20 passes from Eli Manning this season for 208 yards. Vereen averages 10.8 yards per reception and those yards have been a very big part of the Giants’ success. Last season with the New England Patriots Vereen had 52 receptions for 447 yards and 3 touchdowns. Wearing Big Blue, he is on pace to shatter last season’s numbers which were a career high.
Sep 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Shane Vereen (34) runs with the ball while trying to avoid a tackle attempt by Atlanta Falcons defensive back Phillip Adams (20) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Vereen is also contributing as a rusher, though his numbers on the ground aren’t anything to write home about. Vereen has rushed for 101 yards on 25 carries. Rushing stats will never be how you define Vereen. It is important however that Vereen get some carries so offenses don’t just assume it is a pass when he is in the backfield.
Vereen fits in perfectly in the west coast offense and that is why he is the Giants’ third leading receiver. Think about this for a second: Odell Beckham leads the Giants with 31 receptions, Vereen is only 11 behind. This kind of production is huge from a running back.
On the Giants game winning drive against the 49ers, a screen pass to Vereen was one of the most instrumental plays. Nobody expected that play call because the Giants needed big lumps of yards quickly. Vereen was the Giants secret weapon and the utilized this weapon in a timely fashion.
The Giants got exactly what they expected when they signed Vereen. He has become a gigantic piece to the Giant offense. The Giants offense is starting to roll, they had 525 yards against the 49ers. The Giants are a team to look out for moving forward and Vereen is a huge reason why.
Next: New York Giants Win: 3 Game Balls
More from GMEN HQ
- Ranking Dave Gettleman’s 5 worst Giants moves after the Kenny Golladay release
- Workout clip of Evan Neal training with former All-Pro OT has Giants fans excited
- NFL Draft Schedule of Events: How to Navigate Draft Weekend
- 4 NY Giants who must step their game up in 2023
- This SEC CB at No. 25 overall for the Giants is gaining steam