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Grading The Units: Running Backs

by Rich Resch on July 7th, 2011 at 8:30 am

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It’s hard to address this position not knowing whether or not Ahmad Bradshaw will return.  This grade will assume that he is re-signed.  Bradshaw has developed into a great all around running back who, despite the fumbles, was one of the Giants’ offensive MVPs last season.  The problem is, if he ever has a season where he touches the ball as often as he did last year, it could be his last.  He is best suited to be part of a backfield platoon.

Brandon Jacobs is the other side of that two-headed monster.  Despite many people proclaiming him done as an NFL contributor, Jacobs quietly had one of his best seasons.  He may not bowl people over the way he used to, but by limiting the wear and tear on his body, Jacobs was able to produce the most economical season of his career: the 5.6 yards per carry was a career best, and the 823 yards and 9 touchdowns are fantastic numbers from a “backup.”  Tom Coughlin needs to utilize more of an even share between Bradshaw and Jacobs.

Danny Ware has shown little in the regular season to make me believe he’s more than RB depth.  Rookie Da’Rel Scott, on the other hand, has an intriguing skill set (speed, hands) that leads some to believe he can be Wind to Jacobs’ Earth and Bradshaw’s Fire.

The biggest knock on this group is the lack of a true fullback.  Bear Pascoe filled in admirably and provided Manning with a reliable, if unspectacular target out of the backfield, but he is not a natural fullback.  Madison Hedgecock was lost to injury, but his play has slipped the last two seasons.

The Giants have been one of the best rushing units in the NFL the past few years, but the wear and tear is a concern. The talent is still there for this team to put forth a dominating ground attack, but they’ll have to avoid the injury bug and do a better job ob divvying up carries in order for the unit to reach its full potential.

Grade: B

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About Rich Resch

Rich is a graduate of University of Maryland and is currently the senior editor of Giants Football Blog. He is a former contributor to Hot Foot Blog, and a former featured columnist on Bleacher Report. Hear him live on "Giants Rush," Wednesday nights at 9 on Blog Talk Radio. Follow him @RichResch View all posts by Rich Resch →
  • Anonymous

    This whole “starter vs backup” label battle is purely irrelevant, media driven garbage and should be treated as such. Ahmad and Brandon compliment each other so well and make each other better. In fact, the reason they have any experience being successful is largely due to the fact that they split the work load. I’d have a hard time imagining either of these guys having a long, successful career as a sole feature back. I consider them the same way I look at cornerbacks: Is there a #1 guy? Maybe, but you need both to contribute in order for the corps to be successful.

    • Mickster

      Good points.  I think NO running back should strive to “carry the load” – on this or ANY team in the modern NFL.  It basically guarantees you a shortened career.

    • J. Williams

      It’s not irrelevant when you look at production. Check the numbers. One guys get paid even less than the average backup and produces like a starter. The other gets paid like a starter and produces like a backup.

      Now you have to pay that starting player, Bradshaw some starting money. Where do you get it?

      • Anonymous

        You make a fair point in terms of weighing starter vs backup when negotiating contracts, as of course they will be faced with this off-season. But contracts aside, I feel the actual labels themselves less meaningful then we think it is in terms of depth. Let’s say both average about 15-20 carries a game, waver around 4.5 yards/carry, and finish the season with 8-9 TDs. Clearly, both backs are important contributors. But so many stories and debates came out the last few years about who the appointed starter is (and this was when both were still under contract). Why is there so much fan and media emphasis on the “starting” RB debate, when all you’re really arguing about is which back should be in on the first play of the game?

        Having said that and bringing payroll back into the conversation, I agree that you cannot pay both like starters. Would be great if they could restructure BJs contract so they can keep him but I don’t see it happening.

  • Mickster

    I have just two words regarding money that would be very well spent in free agency:

    VONTA LEACH

    • Rich Resch

      Agreed 1000%.  I was planning on writing a post about Leach in the near future. His addition would make the running game an easy B+, possibly A-.

      • Mickster

        Good!  Now does John Mara read your columns?

        • Rich Resch

          Every day.

          • Mickster

            Great, since your words are that well-revered, I don’t feel so bad about stealing your thunder on your future post regarding Leach.

  • J. Williams

    The weakness in this unit is Jacobs. Cut him or pay him like a backup should be paid. Get LeRon McClain. Much more fire.

    • Rich Resch

      McClain had 85 rush yards last year.

      • J. Williams

        The Ravens didn’t want to feature him. Check his stats two years earlier when he was the backup RB and even started some – 242 for 902.

        Ideally he plays the same kind of role as Jacobs. However Jacobs gets paid as a starting RB. McClain would get paid as a feature FB and even trade duties with Hedgecock or Pacoe, whoever stays.

        I’m thinking Bradshaw as a starter, McClain as your main backup, and Scott as your 3rd RB. Possibly another RB (Not Ware!!!) in the mix.

        THat’s just one option that makes sense to me. But the main point is that the Giants need to replace Jacobs as the power back with an option that gets paid as a backup and loosens up salary cap.