The Super Bowl Champion New York Giants continue to make headlines this offseason.
Shortly after adding linebacker Danny Clark, the Giants welcomed back running back Derrick Ward for the 2008 season.
Ward was an important component of the Giants' offense during the beginning of the 2007 campaign. While Brandon Jacobs battled injuries, Ward fillled in admirably. He ran for at least 80 yards in five different games, including a 154-yard effort against the Bears, his last of the season.
Many figured that Ward's limited brilliance would land him a nice contract in a new city, but according to Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News, "...He found few interested teams."
Bringing back Ward is a smart move by the Giants. They have great depth at running back with Jacobs, Ward, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Reuben Droughns on the roster. While Jacobs will no doubt be the No. 1 guy, Ward should have the chance to compete with Bradshaw for the change-of-pace spot.
Why should there be any competition for Bradshaw's spot? Although many may think that Bradshaw outperformed Jacobs in some games down the stretch, Bradshaw was mediocre in the Super Bowl and was clearly too fired up for the game to perform at his best. It is also never a good idea to hand a young player any position on a silver platter.
Furthermore, Bradshaw also battled injuries toward the end of last season and was inactive for some games, so the Giants don't really know if he is truly ready for a 16 to 20 game season.
Ward is also more explosive than Droughns, whose value to the team will be more his ability to mentor the younger backs and provide depth at fullback rather than be a featured tailback.
While the Giants have welcomed back Ward, they have bid adieu to DT William Joseph who joins former Giant Gibril Wilson with the Oakland Raiders.
Joseph has been a disappointment for his entire Giant career and will not be missed. Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins have been very effective at the tackle positions, with young Jay Alford giving them some depth at that spot.
4 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
glenn warciski about 1 year ago
I disagree with you about Bradshaw being mediocre in the Super Bowl. He was the leading rusher with 45 yards on 9 carries. The Patriots have an outstanding defensive line. The Giants offensive line had difficulty moving Seymour, Warren, and Wilfolk. Recall, the Giants first game of the season against Dallas, Bradshaw fumbled on consecutive kickoff returns. Because of ball security issues, for most of the season,Coughlin had Bradshaw standing on the sidelines. Thankfully, Coughlin inserted Bradshaw on kickoff returns against Dallas in their week 10 matchup at Giants Stadium. Finally in the Buffalo game, he was given an opportunity to receive more carries. Without question, he seized the day. He had 17 carries for 151 yards and one touchdown. ( his touchdown was an 88 yard run).
Because of his one million dollar base salary and the signing of Ward, Droughns may not make the final roster.
I agree with you about William Joseph being a bust. He was selected in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. I remember him making one play as a Giant. In the 2003 season opener, he sacked Rams quarterback Kurt Warner.
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Dan Siegel about 1 year ago
I didn't like Bradshaw's body language an attitude during the Super Bowl. He was talking a lot of smack but didn't really make any big plays. Jacobs was in the backfield when the game was on the line, partly because of his blocking and partly because of the fact that he was more focused and under control. I have a feeling the Giant coaching staff noticed that too and didn't want to take a chance with Brashaw late in the game.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Bradshaw was a little amped up for the SB, but what rookie starter isn't? Like Glenn said he was leading rusher and did all that was asked of him, I think you're reading too much into this. Leaving Jacobs in to block makes perfect sense, he's 70 lbs bigger than Bradshaw and more familiar with the blocking scheme. That's not a knock on Bradshaw just solid coaching. Ward will compete with Jacobs for touches not Bradshaw. Ward's a big back more suited to be the number 1 than a change of pace guy, he just looks small next to Jacobs. Droughns is odd man out, he doesn't contribute a million dollars worth of value with these three ahead of him.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
I agree w/ the previous post. Bradshaw played well and averaged 5 yds per carry in the SB as a rookie (he's also 21 years old, so give him a break on his swagger). In my opinion, Bradshaw is a better back than Jacobs (he'll prove it next year w/ more carries). I like Jacobs, but he has almost no cutback ability and when the hole closes, he goes nowhere. Bradshaw has both power and cut-back skills that make him more versatile at the RB position . D. Ward is better than both. and could be a top 10 back if he stays healthy...don't believe me? He lead the team w/ 4.8 yeards per carry (over 8 games which makes his avg statistically relevant). He also dropped 150+ on a very good bears D before breaking his leg. He's big, hits the hole hard, and can make the cuts.
Jacobs will tweak an ankle or knee early next year due to his upright style (especially when 5-6 defenders are draped all over him). His longevity will be cut in half unless he lowers his body. Droughns is ok if you want a back-up veteran, but Dan's right, he's prob gone. Still wondering WTF the Giants were thinking by trading Grant for a 6th rd pick. I watched the preseason games and he had some great games (lead the team in rushing)....can you imagine jacobs, grant, ward and bradshaw.
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