With Tom Coughlin’s arrival as the New York Giant’s head coach, the team has had a run first approach. That approach has seen Tiki Barber’s career reach Hall of Fame levels, and has lead to a SuperBowl victory. Last season, however, it was not as effective. So what will the Giants do differently this season to help return its running game to prominence?
First of all, Brandon Jacobs has to return to the style of running that made him one of the top backs in the league. Listening to Tiki Barber, and trying to avoid injury, Jacobs started to tip toe around the line, instead of hitting the hole hard. His strength has nothing to do with how quick he is, or his vision, it has everything to do with his strength. It is very rare to find a guy as big as he is, who can run well enough to be declared a running back. If he doesn’t get moving at the line he is a lot easier to take down. It might lead to more injuries, but if he doesn’t run that way it won’t be his health that lands him on the sidelines.
Second, there needs to be improved play from the offensive line, something I’ll go more in-depth with in a later article.
If those two things can happen the Giants should see a revival with their running game.
Another thing that can help is Ahmad Bradshaw staying healthy. Bradshaw proved when healthy he can be the focal point of the Giants running game. When Jacobs struggled early, it was Bradshaw who provided the spark on the ground. He was also the guy responsible for the running attack that helped the Giants in their playoff run, and that is without mentioning his break-away run against Buffalo that helped the Giants get into the playoffs in the first place.
Bradshaw has been great and if he can return healthy this season should be a great pairing with Jacobs to give the Giants a top running game to go along with their promising passing attack.
by Evan Slavit at the Sports Fan Blog Network
