5. Establish The Run
During the Week 5 clash with the Green Bay Packers, the New York Giants failed to establish the run and paid a devastating price for it. The Giants ran the ball just 15 times and amassed 43 yards against a stout Packers front seven.
If New York is going to defeat Green Bay during the Wild Card Round, then it must be able to run the ball more effectively than it did in Week 5.
Paul Perkins achieved a great deal of momentum in Week 17 when he became the first Giants player to run for at least 100 yards this season. Rashad Jennings added a rushing touchdown in a well-timed breakout performance by the running backs.
In all, the Giants pounded away at the Washington Redskins’ defense and accumulated 161 yards and a score on 40 rushing attempts.
Encouraging as that may be, Green Bay is one of the Top 10 teams in the NFL at defending the run. It ranked No. 8 in rushing yards allowed and No .10 in rushing touchdowns allowed during the 2016 regular season.
If ever there were a time for Perkins and Jennings to step up, the Wild Card Round in Green Bay would be it.