NFL: Each Team’s Biggest 2015 X-Factor

Aug 29, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Shane Vereen (34) avoids a tackle by New York Jets defensive back Buster Skrine (41) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants RB Shane Vereen

When examining issues on the New York Giants offensive line that could hurt star quarterback Eli Manning, most people point to the offensive line, especially since Marshall Newhouse is currently slated to start at right tackle with below-average pass protecting rookie Ereck Flowers at left tackle.

But from my perspective, the Giants running game is the bigger key for Eli as he angles for a bigger deal. Rashad Jennings wasn’t exactly brilliant in his first season with the team, but he was decent enough, and the offense simply looked stagnant at times when he went down with an injury.

Of concern for the Giants is the fact that Jennings averaged just 3.8 yards per carry last year and hasn’t been inspiring confidence this preseason.

The Giants always made sense as a landing spot for former New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen, and I was excited when Jerry Reese and the organization decided to ink him to a three-year deal worth $12.35 million with just $5 million in guaranteed money (he used to have injury woes).

Vereen isn’t a durable player or an every-down back, but he has the ability to play on any down and is one of the NFL’s most versatile and explosive pass-catching backs. That, of course, is great for Eli, and the fact that Vereen averaged 4.7 yards per carry in 2013 with 4.1 YPC last season shows that he could even be their best option on the ground this year.

Next: A Vital Corner