New York Giants: Analyzing Orleans Darkwa’s emergence

Last year, the New York Giants had little-to-know stability at the running back position, as Rashad Jennings couldn’t seem to stay healthy and Andre Williams couldn’t seem to find the holes.

However, little-known rookie Orleans Darkwa broke onto the scene toward the end of the year, and he began to earn more playing time by doing all the little things right. He was plucked from the Dolphins’ practice squad, and he proved to be a quality addition.

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The Giants went out and signed Shane Vereen in the offseason in a move made to add versatility to the RB group. While the trio of Jennings, Vereen and Williams has been better than last year, Darkwa is once again earning playing time and making plays for Big Blue.

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Despite leading the team in rushing yards during the preseason, Darkwa didn’t enjoy a Victor Cruz-like preseason breakout. He had a shot to make the final roster, but he had to beat out speedy Akeem Hunt. He did, and for the first six games Darkwa didn’t get a single touch.

“I’m not ready to call him the next Tiki Barber, but there’s reason to believe he might be the most complete back the Giants have.”

In a critical divisional game against the Cowboys, Darkwa saw his first action of the season and promptly provided the offense with a spark. The Tulane product carried the ball eight times for 48 yards and the Giants’ lone offensive touchdown. He ran hard and finished with 14 snaps, and he also ran over Greg Hardy, which was awesome.

Darkwa said he wasn’t exactly expecting to receive so much playing time, but he was ready nonetheless.

“They told me the drive before. But I wasn’t really expecting it, but I try to stay ready,” Darkwa said, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ Advance Media. “I always look at the film, and I’m always asking Rashad and Andre and Shane questions, just in case.”

I’m not ready to call him the next Tiki Barber, but there’s reason to believe he might be the most complete back the Giants have.

Think about it: Jennings and Williams are both power backs who lack the speed or elusiveness to consistently knock off big runs, and Vereen is a receiving back by nature. Darkwa can do it all, and it will be very interesting how much he’ll be used in following weeks.

Darkwa is a sneakily shifty runner who can burst through holes with velocity. What I like most about Darkwa is how fast he can hit the hole, and how patient he can be while waiting for his blocks to be set up. The 6-0 back runs tough, too. Against Dallas, his 15-yard touchdown run came after numerous broken tackles and hard running.

He can be counted on in passing situations, too. As a un-drafted rookie, Darkwa was being used in passing situations for protection, as Williams proved to be a liability. He does whatever is asked of him, and that’s something Tom Coughlin loves.

It’s not talked about a lot — but then again, neither is Darkwa in general — but Darkwa ran a 4.46 40-yard-dash time at his pro day, which makes him the fastest back on the Giants roster. He’s got a nose for the end zone, too. In his 13 carries as a Giant, he has two touchdowns. And at Tulane, he scored 39 touchdowns in four years.

Darkwa runs a bit like a slower Ahmad Bradshaw, as both backs play with explision and can fight through contact.

Leading up to the draft, I said I didn’t expect New York to select a running back because I though Darkwa would eventually step up in a crowded backfield. He’s done that, but he needs to continue to run hard and make plays.

I don’t know what Ben McAdoo has planned for the Giants’ game in New Orleans, but one would have to think Darkwa has earned more touches. His emergence certainly makes the distribution of carries murky, but why complain when you have three niche backs and one who can do it all? It just makes the offense that much more lethal.

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