New York Giants likely to address run game in offseason

2014 was a better year for the New York Giants from a rushing standpoint, but then again, that’s not saying a whole lot. In 2013, the Giants used every from David Wilson to Da’rel Scott, although no running back could seem to get any momentum going.

This year was better, as the dyad of Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams delivered at times, but the Giants still need to improve if they want to make it out of the now-competitive NFC East.

Jennings, who will be 30 next year, had a good 2014 that consisted of two games over 90 yards. Despite that, Jennings had a tough time staying healthy, as the former Jaguar and Raider missed five games and was limited in another. When he was hurt, rookie Andre Williams stepped into his place and he was serviceable, but he wasn’t great either. Williams showed flashes at times, but he was a complete liability in pass protection, and he offered little-to-nothing as a receiver.

The duo combined for 1,360 yards and 11 touchdowns. The 1,360 yards between Jennings and Williams is more total rushing yards than the Giants had between 11 players in 2013. So yeah, the running game was better.

ESPN has reported that the Giants intend to address the run game in the offseason by bolstering the offensive line and running back position. Another offensive lineman would be incredibly beneficial. While I don’t think the Giants should break the bank on a player like Mike Iupati, another body up front is necessary.

Like the run game, the Giants O-line was better in 2014, but the group still wasn’t great. Too many times protection was blown, leading to Eli Manning being hurried or sacked.

The Giants also plan on bringing in a veteran, change-of-pace back, but that was really the plan from the beginning.

When the G-Men drafted Williams in the fourth round of the 2014 draft, they still thought ultra-dynamic David Wilson was going to be able to play. Wilson, as we know, retired before the season started, which left the Giants with a 29-year-old power back, and a 22-year-old power back. They also had unproven Michael Cox, and Peyton Hillis, a 28-year-old power back.

Another back is crucial to the offense’s success. I believe Andre Williams will be able to be a starting back in the future, but I don’t think he’s quite ready.

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In the past, the Giants have always liked to have to backs with different skill sets that compliment each other well. This was apparent with Ron Dayne and Tiki Barber, Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, and the glorified “Earth, Wind and Fire” group consisting of Bradshaw, Jacobs and Derrick Ward.

While I’ve talked about Orleans Darkwa’s emergence towards the end of the year, I definitely expect the Giants to look at free agents to fill the void at running back.

Don’t even begin to think about the possibility of DeMarco Murray joining the Giants. Unless Murray really, really wants to stick it to Dallas, there’s no way the talented back would take a significant pay cut to join Big Blue.

Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley are options, but they might not want to be part of a three-back timeshare after splitting carries their whole career in New England. Frank Gore is also a free agent, but he’s not exactly the type of back the Giants are looking for, at least I don’t think.

Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back

(28) carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Spiller is an interesting choice, as he’s obviously faster and more dynamic than Jennings and Williams. Spiller has 4.37 speed, but his career has never quite taken off. Adding Spiller to the mix would give the Giants another dimension in the backfield, and Spiller would be able to pull double-duty as a kick returner.

Ben Tate is also an option. I’m still fairly high on Tate, even though his career has really faltered recently. I still think that in the right system – a system that doesn’t feature Tate as a starter – Tate can succeed.

A guy like Justin Forsett would probably be the ideal candidate, but after seeing a breakout year it’s hard to imagine Baltimore letting him test the open market.

If the Giants are looking for a faster, less physical back, then guys like Jacquizz Rodgers and LaMichael James are slated to become free agents. Either of those players would make sense, as the Giants have said they don’t intend on having another shopping spree like last year.

Of course if the Giants don’t want to spend big bucks in free agency for an offensive lineman or a running back, then they have the draft. Prospects like Brandon Scherff and Duke Johnson would give the Giants exactly what they’re looking for.

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