New York Giants Are Changing the System through Earth, Wind, and Fire

Everyone knows of the new revolutionary running back system that has recently taken the league, and fantasy owners, by storm.

It is known simply as the "Dual-Back" or "Tag-Team" backfield, and with good reason. It is based on the reasoning that if you have two great running backs, why not use them both? Before we get into the New York Giants' situation, let's take a look at the variations of this system.

System No. 1: Thunder and Lightning

This system is easily the most popular of the two. It truly says exactly what the purpose of the system is. The "Scat back" or better known as the "Normal Sized" running back stays on the field in almost any given situation. That is until it is third and short, or the team hits the red zone.

Once it becomes a shorter field, or only one or two yards is necessary for a first down, the "Big Man" comes in and cleans up house.

Below is a list of only a handful of teams that have used this system, and the years that the system was put into place. They are the best at making it work.

However, the goal-line back is almost as valuable as the scat-back in fantasy football.

Successful Scat-Back/Power-Back Systems: 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers [Willie Parker and Jerome Bettis], 2006 New York Giants [Tiki Barber and Brandon Jacobs], 2006 Indianapolis Colts [Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes], 2007 Dallas Cowboys [Julius Jones and Marion Barber III], 2008 Tennessee Titans [Chris Johnson and LenDale White], 2008 Baltimore Ravens [Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McLain]

System No. 2: If ONE Scat-Back Is Good...Then Two Must Be Even Better

While this system isn't as widely used, it still gets the job done. The mantra behind it is extremely simple. If you don't have a power back on your roster, then you use two scats and use them often.

Personally, I could see this system becoming one of the most popular in the sport. It is a way to keep BOTH backs healthy and fresh, eat up the clock, and march down field.

Below is another list of teams that have made this system popular. Even though there are fewer, you will recognize each of these stars and quickly realize why their given team is so good at doing what they do.

Successful Scat-Back x2 Systems: 2006 Jacksonville Jaguars [Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor], 2007 Minnesota Vikings [Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson], 2007 New Orleans Saints [Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister], 2008 New England Patriots [Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris], 2008 Miami Dolphins [Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown]

System No. 3: Earth, Wind, and Fire

As far as I know, this system is being used by one team and one team only: my 2008 New York Giants. The term was coined by defensive end Justin Tuck after three players had a successful game against the St. Louis Rams.

Earth is Brandon Jacobs. Big and Bold. Jacobs is a power back if there ever was one. He tops out at 6'4'' and 250 pounds and isn't afraid of taking a hit.

Wind is Ahmad Bradshaw. Quick and silent. Bradshaw is only in his second year out of Marshall University, but he had a fantastic rookie season, including a 150-yard performance against the Buffalo Bills. He is a tad bit smaller than Jacobs, 5'9'' and 198 pounds.

Fire is Derrick Ward. Explosive and painful. While filling in for Brandon Jacobs last season, the fourth-year veteran racked up 600 yards in eight games. He is the best of both worlds. He can cut when he has to and can make a hard hit. Ward is 5'11'' and 220 pounds.

The real question is, can this three-back system be as successful for the Giants as the other systems have been?

I believe it can be.

The only way to prove it is by bringing up the stats, and I think they agree with me.

Through the First Four Games of the New York Giants' 2008 Season

Brandon Jacobs: 65 rushing attempts, 365 yards, 5.8 yards per carry, three touchdowns.

Ahmad Bradshaw: 18 rushing attempts, 118 yards, 6.6 yards per carry, two receptions, 23 yards, one touchdown.

Derrick Ward: 33 rushing attempts, 217 yards, 6.6 yards per carry, eight receptions, 65 yards.

So, what exactly does all of this tell us? The Giants are averaging 175 rushing yards per game, 6.3 yards per carry, and only 29 carries per game!

The numbers truly say it all. The G-Men are on pace for roughly 2,800 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns via the running game. Eli Manning is on schedule to throw 24 touchdowns and four interceptions. The defense can slow down even the best of offenses.

Who is to say that a repeat isn't possible?