ESPN Scout Williamson Blog: Jacobs needs to punish Dallas

[WoodysGirl]

by: Matt Williamson
posted: Tuesday, January 8, 2008 | Print Entry
filed under: New York Giants

It will be interesting to see how Giants head coach Tom Coughlin splits the carries between his running backs this week. Throughout the season, the Giants have had success running the ball with some combination of Brandon Jacobs, Reuben Droughns, Derrick Ward and most recently Ahmad Bradshaw. While all four backs have some impressive individual skills, New York's offensive line and peripheral blockers like FB Madison Hedgecock have had a lot to do with the Giants having the No. 4-ranked rushing attack (134.3 ypg) in the NFL.

Jacobs was largely ineffective last week against the Buccaneers, managing only managed 34 yards on 13 carries. However, the massive Jacobs obviously contributed to wearing down Tampa Bay's smaller defensive front on a warm and humid afternoon. Once Bradshaw was given his opportunity later in the game, the Bucs' defense was already winded. Bradshaw racked up 66 yards on his 17 carries to seal the victory. The longest run of the day for either back was just nine yards, but Bradshaw has shown earlier in the season that he brings a big-play element to this rushing attack.

So who should get the bulk of the carries in Dallas this week?

I am sticking with Jacobs, especially early in the contest. While I am not the biggest fan of Jacobs' high running style and think that he is a back who will battle injuries throughout his entire career, he does have a unique skill set. The guy is simply a beast. He isn't very elusive and his vision is suspect, but he can really inflict a blow, punish tacklers and push the pile. Even though he didn't rack up big numbers a week ago New York needs to Jacobs throughout the first half in Dallas. Bradshaw deserves a series or two early on, though, to throw the Cowboys a change-up and give Jacobs a breather. And Bradshaw's niftiness, aggressive style and elusiveness could pay dividends late in the game after Jacobs does the heavy lifting.

QB Eli Manning has played great football over his last 10 quarters the running game is unquestionably what New York will lean on this weekend, and the best way to run the ball is with a heavy dose of Brandon Jacobs.

 

[Givincer]

If O'Hara is out and we can't stop Jacobs, I'd have to question how we got to 13-3.

I think we should put 8 in the box and man up their receivers against are refreshed cornerbacks. I've got confidence in Newman and Henry vs. a hobbled Burress and Toomer.

 

[superpunk]

lol....I hope they just keep pounding Jacobs. He's the kind of back this defense is built, and loves to, stop. Guys like Bradshaw, quite a bit tougher with the cutback ability. This defense is a downhill runner's worst nightmare unless someone conpletely blows an assignment.

 

[Hoov]

How did jacobs "wear down" the bucs defense by rushing for 34 yds on 13 caries ??? that's 2.6 yds per carry. sounds like he was getting stuffed. But because he is a large size for a RB it "tires you out" tackling him ????

Whenever a defense is getting tired its either cause they are running around chasing players or becuase the O Lineman are pancaking them, not because they are tackling a large body.

 

[Maikeru-sama]

I love the whole "Eli Manning has played great football over his last 10 quarters"

If the Giants come into Texas Stadium planning to play keep-away from our offense and stubbornly insist on running the ball, I don't think they will be able to win.

I really think you have to have a much stronger defense and a more talented back.

Of course, it is all a moot point if Terrell Owens doesn't play or he is largely ineffective due to injuries.

 

[aikemirv]

You are going to have a tough time wearing down a Dline that is 6 deep and can rotate those 6 without much dropoff.

Then you have Burnett subbing Ayodele and James and Spencer subbing Ware and Ellis.

Our front 7 is big and deep, they are going to have to play unbelievable D to keep this unit on the field enough to get worn down.

 

[Clove]

We can stop the run just fine. All we needed was this motivational thing called the playoffs.

 

[joseephuss]

If O'Hara is out and we can't stop Jacobs, I'd have to question how we got to 13-3.

I think we should put 8 in the box and man up their receivers against are refreshed cornerbacks. I've got confidence in Newman and Henry vs. a hobbled Burress and Toomer.

Dallas may be able to slow the Giants rushing attack without having to put an 8th man in the box. That could allow them to keep a safety deep.

I would make Eli try to beat them by moving the ball down the field. Don't allow the quick big play. That just builds confidence. Make him work for it and he will eventually make mistakes.

 

[Wolfpack]

Putting points on the board will slow any hope of their run game.