Though it may not be time to completely overhaul the running back group, 2016 has made it clear that a new face is needed in the New York Giants backfield.
Through Week 10 of the 2016 NFL season, the New York Giants rushing attack ranks second to last in the league, generating just 74.2 yards per game. The year prior, New York ranked in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and yards per carry.It’s time the Giants added a new face to the running back room.
After trotting out essentially the same group of starting backs (save for the subtraction of Andre Williams and addition of Paul Perkins) two years in a row with little success, the team needs to look at other options.
Though a complete shake up of the roster at the position would be too extreme and costly a measure, adding a mid-level contributor to the squad in 2017 would go a long way.
Here are a few options Jerry Reese can look at for 2017:
Matt Asiata, Minnesota Vikings
Matt Asiata first made a name for himself as a key contributor in the Minnesota Vikings’ backfield following Adrian Peterson‘s 2014 suspension. While splitting carries with Jerick McKinnon, Asiata rushed for 570 yards and nine touchdowns on a 3.5 yards per carry average. That season he also added 44 receptions for 312 yards and a touchdown in the passing game.
The fifth-year veteran has developed into a solid downfield runner who produces a legitimate threat out of the backfield on passing routes. Asiata won’t consistently make defenders miss, but he runs strong between the tackles and packs a punch on initial contact.
Though his rushing numbers fell in 2015 to just 112 yards on 29 carries with the return of Peterson, Asiata was still able to contribute in the Viking’s areal attack. He gained more yards through the air than on the ground that year, pulling in 19 catches for 132 yards.
However this season, with Peterson lost for the year with a torn meniscus, Asiata has again stepped up nicely. Through 10 games in 2016 he has accumulated 240 carries on 80 attempts with three touchdowns while adding 18 grabs for 150 yards.
Shane Vereen currently gives the Giants their best threat out of the backfield, but isn’t an ideal short yardage runner. Asiata could be an excellent goal line/third and short back for New York, being able to pick up first downs on the ground or forcing defenses to respect him on his passing routes.
Christine Michael, Seattle Seahawks
Christine Michael has had a roller coaster ride of an NFL career.
After being shipped off last season by Seattle in a trade to the Dallas Cowboys, Michael struggled to find a niche on an NFL roster. He was waived by Dallas less than a year into his stint with the team so the Cowboys could sign his former Seahawks’ backfield mate Robert Turbin. He was then signed onto the Washington Redskins’ practice squad and subsequently waived a month later.
Yet, once Michael rejoined the team that drafted him the Texas A&M product blossomed into a solid number two running back. Just a day after being cut loose by Washington, Michael returned to Seattle following injuries to Thomas Rawles and Marshawn Lynch. He would go on to help propel the ‘Hawks 2015 run to the playoffs, recording 84 yards on the ground in his first game back. A few weeks later Michael produced a then career best game against the Arizona Cardinals with 102 rushing yards. He capped his impressive return that season with a 70 yard performance in his first career playoff start.
However, 2016 has been no less filled with it’s highs and lows for Michael. This season he had boasted a 4.0 yards per carry average, rushing for 469 yards and six touchdowns, including a 106 yard outing against the New York Jets.
Despite the impressive start to the season though, Michael sputtered down the stretch. In his last two games he had rushed 10 times for just 23 yards. This lead to his eventual benching in favor of rookie C.J. Prosise and release from the team at the conclusion of Week 10.
He has since reportedly been picked up off waivers by the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are in dire need of running back help with an injured Eddie Lacy and a struggling James Starks. It’ll be interesting to see how Michael handles both the change of scenery and another shot at being a team’s featured back.
Though he never lived up to his billing as a second round draft choice, Michael can deliver value in a reserve role. He’s best as a north-south runner, but also serves as a fine target in the passing game. Michael is the kind of low-risk high-reward player the Giants could bring into training camp next season to compete for the fourth running back slot on the depth chart.
New York has historically ridden the hot hand when it comes to their backfield, often being devoid of a true number one workhorse. Michael has the ability to catch fire every now and then, something that could spark the Giants offense in a pinch.
Benny Cunningham, Los Angeles Rams
L.A. Rams’ running back Benny Cunningham can be the X-factor in a football game on any given day. He’s only carried the football 18 times this season, but he’s taken those carries for an impressive 95 yards while averaging 5.3 yards per attempt.
Cunningham is a fast back with big play potential. He’s not a runner the team would ride for a game or even a series, but on the draws and screen plays that head coach Ben McAdoo loves, Cunningham could rack up big yards in a hurry. If the Giants can spring Cunningham free from time to time he can be lethal.
He would serve essentially the same role as current Giant Bobby Rainey. Though with Rainey set both be a free agent and turn 30 next season, the younger Cunningham is a better long-term option.
The 26-year old brings his explosiveness to special teams as well. He’s taken back 11 kick offs this season for 258 yards, and boasts a career long return of 102 yards. Along with Dwayne Harris, the duo could develop into one of the most dangerous return teams in the NFL.
Jacquizz Rodgers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The longtime back up of Michael Turner and Devonta Freeman with the Atlanta Falcons has finally hit his stride as a featured back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Rodgers rebounded nicely in 2016 following a disappointing one-year stint with the Chicago Bears. While filling in for an injured Doug Martin, he took 88 carries for 393 yards and one touchdown, giving the veteran a 4.5 yards per carry average. Rodgers also produced two 100 plus rushing yard games this year, both of which helped led Tampa Bay to victories.
With Martin returning to the lineup, it’ll be interesting to see how Rodgers’ usage will be affected. He will likely be designated to the number two spot on the depth chart, but how he produces in the back up role will be crucial in determine his value going forward.
Rodgers is an explosive runner who could form a great one-two punch with current starter Rashad Jennings. Jennings’ hard nosed running style paired with Rodgers’ home run threat would help elevate New York’s often stagnant ground attack. With experience as a starter, Rodgers also provides critical insurance for the often injured Jennings.