Robert Deutsch — USA Today Sports
The New York Giants were ready to start the season with David Wilson as their starting running back, and I said he needed at least 20 touches a game and he could probably rush for over 1,200 yards this season. After two games, you shouldn’t really hit the panic button. However, I think the Giants have to hit that button when it comes to the ground game.
The Giants were dismal trying to run the ball yesterday, and they weren’t effective in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys either. The Giants are going into Charlotte next week to face the Carolina Panthers, which means linebacker Luke Kuechly will be patrolling the middle for that defense.
The Panthers don’t have a good secondary, so the Giants will be better off abandoning the run game and relying on the passing game next Sunday. The Giants shouldn’t stop there either. The offensive line has been porous in run blocking, and Eli Manning is smart in the pocket. Therefore, the Giants should probably cut down the number of runs throughout the course of the season.
Many people believe a run game is needed to win in the NFL today. That is not the case. Teams with good quarterbacks are setting up the run with effective passing nowadays. Before, a solid run game was key to setting up the pass. The Giants have four effective passing targets in Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle and Brandon Myers.
Therefore, they should spread things out and open it up for Wilson. His speed in the open field is something the Giants should definitely take advantage of. Jumbo formations have not gotten the job done, so the Giants should scrap it. Overall, the Giants should run the ball less.
