Ahmad Bradshaw (1 Viewer)

[SugarNuts]

How does everyone see Bradshaw fitting in to the plans this year? At the end f the season, he seemed to be a pretty big part of what they did, and while he likely will split time with Jacobs, Brandon Jacobs is a bit injury prone.

Thoughts?

 

[az_prof]

Waiting and watching. Too early to tell. He is talented but it is a crowded backfield.

 

[SugarNuts]

Waiting and watching. Too early to tell. He is talented but it is a crowded backfield.

What backfield isnt crowded nowadays? But I know what you mean... For a 7th round draft pick last year, he sure seemed to have it going for him last year. Personally, I think theyd be nuts to not give him the ball fairly consistently. Maybe not #1 RB amounts, but maybe 10-15 carries a game.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Brandon Jacobs: He had 6 games where he started and got 20+ carries...in fact he averaged 23 carries in those games. Jacobs had 5 seperate 100 yard rushing games. The problem is he only started 9 games due to injuries mostly. Stil, you have to think that Jacobs is going to get a good amount of carries, with or without Bradshaw.

A.Bradshaw: Really had no touches most of the season. Had a great post season and has been penciled in as a starter by some...at least a 50/50 split but I don't see it based on what we saw in the regular season.

Derrick Ward: Who??? Started 5 games in the place of Brandon Jacobs and racked up about 600+ yds, 20+ rec, a couple TD...the guy was doing very well and then he got hurt and was gone. Guy is listed at 5-11, 233 lbs so he isn't small.

The pie will not be cut 3 ways. One of them will get 65-70% of the carries on a game by game basis...I don't feel Bradshaw is going to be expected to carry it 20 times a game anytime soon, however this is a copycat league and an MJD type role is not out of the question for Bradshaw.

 

[jwb]

Gut feeling: 65/35 Jacobs to start. After that, who knows.

After the postseason, NY papers and sports talk generally seemed to think Bradshaw was the best RB on the team. My eyes agree with them.

I really think my above ratio will end up reversing - I think Jacobs is better suited for the COP role.

 

[Riffraff]

I could see Bradshaw getting more action as the season progresses (regardless of Jacobs being injured or not).

Both Jacobs and Ward are free agents after the year and the Giants will need to see what they have (or don't have) in Bradshaw.

 

[MAC_32]

Probably somewhere between 10 and 15 touches/game. In the event of a Jacobs injury, it'll happen, Bradshaw becomes start-worthy. With Jacobs in tow he's probably limited to bye week/injury fill-in.

 

[dmac37]

The film does not lie!

Most seem to think that Bradshaw was the better back during the post season, when they both could be compared in the same setting.

Also Bradshaw is a much better receiver out of the backfield. I would think a RBBC with Bradshaw being on the plus side.

 

[hitman2]

The film does not lie!Most seem to think that Bradshaw was the better back during the post season, when they both could be compared in the same setting.Also Bradshaw is a much better receiver out of the backfield. I would think a RBBC with Bradshaw being on the plus side.

I agree 100%They gave the rock to AB when it mattered.

 

[Routilla]

He could be entering MJD status. He'll give you a few good/big weeks as a 10-15 touch guy but if he gets the full load he turns into a potential monster. I'm targeting him as a #4/#5RB.

 

[Bada Bing]

He could be entering MJD status. He'll give you a few good/big weeks as a 10-15 touch guy but if he gets the full load he turns into a potential monster. I'm targeting him as a #4/#5RB.

The difference between Bradshaw and MJD though is that MJD gets goal line carries. I think Jacobs will get all the goal line carries for the Giants.

 

[super sleeper]

Trying to project the Giants backfield without taking Derrick Ward into consideration is silly. Keep in mind that the Giants have loved him for years. He's constantly hurt, yet he just resigned with them despite the emergence of Ahmad Bradshaw.

To me, Bradshaw is not an every down back, more similar to Leon Washington with MJD as an upside. But the real backup to Jacobs is Ward. He has the size to handle the load if Jacobs goes down, as he did last year before getting hurt. It's odd to see a team's leading rusher be dismissed to easily by so many. As a Giants fan, and not taking fantasy into consideration, I think the most effective backfield would be a RBBC of Jacobs and Ward, with sprinkling of Bradshaw as a change of pace or on 3rd downs.

 

[Yitbos69]

Bradshaw is a flash in the pan.......he is a 3rd down back with the same upside as Washington.......He had a good run at the end on the season but is the 3rd best RB in NY....He will get the least amount of carries of Jacobs/Ward/Bradshaw crew......

 

[MAC_32]

Trying to project the Giants backfield without taking Derrick Ward into consideration is silly. Keep in mind that the Giants have loved him for years. He's constantly hurt, yet he just resigned with them despite the emergence of Ahmad Bradshaw.To me, Bradshaw is not an every down back, more similar to Leon Washington with MJD as an upside. But the real backup to Jacobs is Ward. He has the size to handle the load if Jacobs goes down, as he did last year before getting hurt. It's odd to see a team's leading rusher be dismissed to easily by so many. As a Giants fan, and not taking fantasy into consideration, I think the most effective backfield would be a RBBC of Jacobs and Ward, with sprinkling of Bradshaw as a change of pace or on 3rd downs.

When, not if, Jacobs gets injured Ward will become a decent spot start, like last year. He'll get 15ish carries for his 4 YPC and maybe a TD. He's nothing sexy, but he's effective. That said, I don't think he'll see much action when both Jacobs and Bradshaw are healthy. Jacobs is thunder, Bradshaw is lightning, Ward's just...there.

 

[TaxMan]

He could be entering MJD status. He'll give you a few good/big weeks as a 10-15 touch guy but if he gets the full load he turns into a potential monster. I'm targeting him as a #4/#5RB.

The difference between Bradshaw and MJD though is that MJD gets goal line carries. I think Jacobs will get all the goal line carries for the Giants.

I disagree on the all the GL carries will go to Jacobs. Watching the games that Bradshaw was in the game, he did get GL carries, and in fact he may be a very good GL runner despite his size. Ward will be a factor this year for sure since he's signed for only 1 year. Let's not forget that Bradshaw can still put on some weight as he's only 22.

 

[dmac37]

He could be entering MJD status. He'll give you a few good/big weeks as a 10-15 touch guy but if he gets the full load he turns into a potential monster. I'm targeting him as a #4/#5RB.

The difference between Bradshaw and MJD though is that MJD gets goal line carries. I think Jacobs will get all the goal line carries for the Giants.

I disagree on the all the GL carries will go to Jacobs. Watching the games that Bradshaw was in the game, he did get GL carries, and in fact he may be a very good GL runner despite his size. Ward will be a factor this year for sure since he's signed for only 1 year. Let's not forget that Bradshaw can still put on some weight as he's only 22.

I agree, the back that was in for the series seemed to stay in for the most part. Also Jacobs runs upright and Bradshaw seems to get his pad level lower, ideal for goal line short yardage situations.

 

[MAC_32]

Bradshaw seems to get his pad level lower, ideal for goal line short yardage situations.

Much like another mini-RB, MJD.

 

[sheerterror]

Bradshaw is a flash in the pan.......he is a 3rd down back with the same upside as Washington.......He had a good run at the end on the season but is the 3rd best RB in NY....He will get the least amount of carries of Jacobs/Ward/Bradshaw crew......

That's blasphemy around these parts...this guy is the next 2000 yard RB!!!

 

[Two Deep]

Bradshaw is a flash in the pan.......he is a 3rd down back with the same upside as Washington.......He had a good run at the end on the season but is the 3rd best RB in NY....He will get the least amount of carries of Jacobs/Ward/Bradshaw crew......

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Trying to project the Giants backfield without taking Derrick Ward into consideration is silly.

Post #4

 

[travdogg]

I see Bradshaw playing 3rd downs and being a heavily used COP back. Maybe 55-45 in favor of Jacobs.

I have both of them in my RB20-30 range.

 

[gianmarco]

Jacobs put up 1000 rushing yds in essentially 10 games with a 5.0 ypc average and chipped in another 175 receiving yds on 23 catches and 6 TDs on the year and many assume he's going to lose his job?

I agree that Bradshaw has looked good and is more like your "typical" RB, but Jacobs was quite effective on the field, had 5 games of 100+ yds out of 10, and finished the season with 20+ carries in 3 of the last 4 games. As far as I know, there has been ZERO indication from the NYG that he is no longer the starter. Until that happens, I'm going to assume that Jacobs will remain the starter because there is nothing to indicate other than the hopes and dreams of Bradshaw owners that it will be different. I'm not saying it can't happen, but how about we have some sort of indication before we start assuming things are going to change.

And when Jacobs is on the field, he puts up #'s. Ask H.K.

 

[mdog1967]

Bradshaw is a flash in the pan.......he is a 3rd down back with the same upside as Washington.......He had a good run at the end on the season but is the 3rd best RB in NY....He will get the least amount of carries of Jacobs/Ward/Bradshaw crew......

 

[H.K.]

Ask H.K.

Glad you asked, you've come to the right place.When looking at Bradshaw vs. Jacobs next year, you need to look at several things:

1) Who is the better player in an equal setting when the stakes are highest?

Four games in the playoffs -

Bradshaw: 48 carries, 208 yds for 4.3 YPC

Jacobs: 62 carries, 197 yds for 3.2 YPC



Advantage: Bradshaw



2) Who has the worst hands on the Giants?

Brandon Jacobs, who dropped an astounding 8 passes out of 38 targets.

Advantage: Bradshaw

3) Toughness

Seriously.

Advantage: Bradshaw

4) Height

OK, so I made up a category just to avoid the shut out.

Advantage: Jacobs

Summary: Bradshaw is better than Jacobs in every facet of the game and the Giants won a Super Bowl as a result. Bradshaw will be on the field in all downs and all situations, only coming out if he needs a breather or the team is comfortably ahead.

 

[mlball77]

Lots of Bradshaw love in this thread… perhaps a few folks that own him in various leauges? I too was impressed with his post season play, but when Jacobs was healthy, I was very impressed with him all year and his numbers were strong (rushing numbers). I don't claim to be a NYG expert, but I find it hard to believe that the coaching staff isn't going to have Jacobs as the primary ball carrier in 2008, assuming he remains healthy. I think it seems likely a RBBC of some sort will be employed, but I also think its likely that Jacobs gets the most carries (not recs though) and goal line opportunities. Bradshaw really will be fighting with Ward for the 2nd largest slice of the pie. My guess is that their slice is about the same. - Just my take.

 

[Yitbos69]

Lots of Bradshaw love in this thread… perhaps a few folks that own him in various leauges? I too was impressed with his post season play, but when Jacobs was healthy, I was very impressed with him all year and his numbers were strong (rushing numbers). I don't claim to be a NYG expert, but I find it hard to believe that the coaching staff isn't going to have Jacobs as the primary ball carrier in 2008, assuming he remains healthy. I think it seems likely a RBBC of some sort will be employed, but I also think its likely that Jacobs gets the most carries (not recs though) and goal line opportunities. Bradshaw really will be fighting with Ward for the 2nd largest slice of the pie. My guess is that their slice is about the same. - Just my take.

 

[gianmarco]

Ask H.K.

Glad you asked, you've come to the right place.When looking at Bradshaw vs. Jacobs next year, you need to look at several things:

1) Who is the better player in an equal setting when the stakes are highest?

Four games in the playoffs -

Bradshaw: 48 carries, 208 yds for 4.3 YPC

Jacobs: 62 carries, 197 yds for 3.2 YPC



Advantage: Bradshaw



2) Who has the worst hands on the Giants?

Brandon Jacobs, who dropped an astounding 8 passes out of 38 targets.

Advantage: Bradshaw

3) Toughness

Seriously.

Advantage: Bradshaw

4) Height

OK, so I made up a category just to avoid the shut out.

Advantage: Jacobs

Summary: Bradshaw is better than Jacobs in every facet of the game and the Giants won a Super Bowl as a result. Bradshaw will be on the field in all downs and all situations, only coming out if he needs a breather or the team is comfortably ahead.

You forgot one category: The NYG RB Depth chart. Advantage: Jacobs.Until that changes and it's a change that comes from the mouths of the NYG front office and coaching staff, I'll just reread your post for entertainment (and not informational) purposes only.

Thanks for picking up the courtesy phone

 

[H.K.]

Thanks for picking up the courtesy phone

No problem, always glad to help

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

It'll be a 60-40 split (Jacobs / Bradshaw) approximately, just like in the playoffs. Can't imagine why anyone thinks differently....unless you assume (correctly) that Jacobs will get injured (like always).

 

[JPeso]

The fantasy upside is limited. Jacobs will remain the goal line back, to a fault, and still command 10 carries a game at worst. Bradshaw may see a bigger workload than Ward, but I don't doubt they will give Ward a few snaps as well.

We are looking at a decent RB4 for bye-weeks, and I am very high on Bradshaw talent-wise.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Ask H.K.

Glad you asked, you've come to the right place.When looking at Bradshaw vs. Jacobs next year, you need to look at several things:

1) Who is the better player in an equal setting when the stakes are highest?

Four games in the playoffs -

Bradshaw: 48 carries, 208 yds for 4.3 YPC

Jacobs: 62 carries, 197 yds for 3.2 YPC



Advantage: Bradshaw



2) Who has the worst hands on the Giants?

Brandon Jacobs, who dropped an astounding 8 passes out of 38 targets.

Advantage: Bradshaw

3) Toughness

Seriously.

Advantage: Bradshaw

4) Height

OK, so I made up a category just to avoid the shut out.

Advantage: Jacobs

Summary: Bradshaw is better than Jacobs in every facet of the game and the Giants won a Super Bowl as a result. Bradshaw will be on the field in all downs and all situations, only coming out if he needs a breather or the team is comfortably ahead.

HK, I love your posts friendo but here we go...Jacobs and Ward started 13 games last season. and the two of them combined for almost 2,000 yds rushing and receiving, and 10 TD...I really don't think just because Bradshaw did well in the playoffs(And it was no John Riggins '82 Performance) that suddenly he is set ot carry the ball 300 times.

Bradshaw is 5-9 and 198 lbs...he is MJD on his best best best day. I don't think he will be used for more than about 10-15 carries max most weeks, but I do see him getting more action in the receiving games.

Jacobs: 201 carries, 1,011 yds(5.0 ypc), 23 rec, 174 yds, 6 total TDs.

Ward: 125 carries, 602 yds(4.8 ypc), 26 rec, 179 yds, 4 total TDs.

They never were getting 15-20 carries a piece so there was always 1 starter that was named each weeek. If Jacobs had not gotten hurt, he would have had a lot of Ward's touches.

I total 326 carries...certianly not too much workload. 1,600+ rushing yds or 100 yds a game, almost 50 rec, another 350 yds rec, 10 TDs....It's not like they split touches because of coaching...it was simply health issues. I think you at least have to take 75% of this production as the outlook for whoever stays healthy and on the field. Bradshaw will continue to be a COP RB IMO for the time being.

 

[munchkin]

Bradshaw certainly has more value in a Dynasty League than Redraft. Hopefully he can put on a few more pounds over the next couple of years to help him better withstand the pounding rb's take. Westbrook is 5'-10" and 203 lbs. so it isn't unheard of for smaller backs to be productive. Time will tell on his development and I will be holding on to him to see how well he develops. The initial prospects seem pretty positive.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

It's not like they split touches because of coaching...it was simply health issues.

What about the playoffs?

 

[BigJim®]

 

[dmac37]

I still say the tape does not lie.

Who was the better back during the playoff run, while there was an equal setting for both?

Bradshaw!

That does not mean that he will start 2008 with more carries than Jacobs, but I think it is the shape of things to come.

 

[gianmarco]

Ask H.K.

Glad you asked, you've come to the right place.When looking at Bradshaw vs. Jacobs next year, you need to look at several things:

1) Who is the better player in an equal setting when the stakes are highest?

Four games in the playoffs -

Bradshaw: 48 carries, 208 yds for 4.3 YPC

Jacobs: 62 carries, 197 yds for 3.2 YPC



Advantage: Bradshaw

Let me add a bit to your facts. First of all, you failed to mention that Jacobs scored in 3 of those 4 playoff games. Bradshaw only had 1. When it mattered, Jacobs was given the ball and he delivered into the endzone. Second of all, in 2 of the 4 games, Bradshaw only had 6 and 9 carries. In those 2 games, his ypc was 5.7 and 5.0 respectively. In the other 2 games, he was given 16 and 17 carries and only had a 3.9 ypc in those games. Which brings me to my final point and why some of you may want to temper your enthusiasm about Bradshaw. Despite how good he has looked (which I agree he has), he is definitely a small back and likely not suited to be a feature back. Here are some interesting splits for the 2007 season:

Attempts				  Att	 Yds	 Avg   Lng	 TD	  1stAttempts 1-Through-10 	 51 	339 	6.6	88 	 2 	13Attempts 11-Through-20 	20 	59 	 3.0	8	   0 	 2

Those are #'s consistent with a guy who does best with a limited # of carries. While it's a small sample size, there's a drastic difference in those #'s that is not surprising. Those of you thinking he's going to get the majority of the carries are being a little bit optimistic in terms of how the coaching staff feels, how big he is, and how he's performed when given more than 10 carries/game. The guy is a talented back and looks good on the field, but I don't know if he's really feature back material at this point.

 

[az_prof]

Sounds like Bradshaw is slated to be the primary backup. So much for Ward as a threat.

Published Thu May 8 2:17:00 p.m. ET 2008

(KFFL) USA Today reports New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to enter the 2008 season as RB Brandon Jacobs' primary backup.

Ask H.K.

Glad you asked, you've come to the right place.When looking at Bradshaw vs. Jacobs next year, you need to look at several things:

1) Who is the better player in an equal setting when the stakes are highest?

Four games in the playoffs -

Bradshaw: 48 carries, 208 yds for 4.3 YPC

Jacobs: 62 carries, 197 yds for 3.2 YPC



Advantage: Bradshaw

Let me add a bit to your facts. First of all, you failed to mention that Jacobs scored in 3 of those 4 playoff games. Bradshaw only had 1. When it mattered, Jacobs was given the ball and he delivered into the endzone. Second of all, in 2 of the 4 games, Bradshaw only had 6 and 9 carries. In those 2 games, his ypc was 5.7 and 5.0 respectively. In the other 2 games, he was given 16 and 17 carries and only had a 3.9 ypc in those games. Which brings me to my final point and why some of you may want to temper your enthusiasm about Bradshaw. Despite how good he has looked (which I agree he has), he is definitely a small back and likely not suited to be a feature back. Here are some interesting splits for the 2007 season:

Attempts				  Att	 Yds	 Avg   Lng	 TD	  1stAttempts 1-Through-10 	 51 	339 	6.6	88 	 2 	13Attempts 11-Through-20 	20 	59 	 3.0	8	   0 	 2

Those are #'s consistent with a guy who does best with a limited # of carries. While it's a small sample size, there's a drastic difference in those #'s that is not surprising. Those of you thinking he's going to get the majority of the carries are being a little bit optimistic in terms of how the coaching staff feels, how big he is, and how he's performed when given more than 10 carries/game. The guy is a talented back and looks good on the field, but I don't know if he's really feature back material at this point.

 

[Liquid Tension]

He could be entering MJD status. He'll give you a few good/big weeks as a 10-15 touch guy but if he gets the full load he turns into a potential monster. I'm targeting him as a #4/#5RB.

The difference between Bradshaw and MJD though is that MJD gets goal line carries. I think Jacobs will get all the goal line carries for the Giants.

I disagree on the all the GL carries will go to Jacobs. Watching the games that Bradshaw was in the game, he did get GL carries, and in fact he may be a very good GL runner despite his size. Ward will be a factor this year for sure since he's signed for only 1 year. Let's not forget that Bradshaw can still put on some weight as he's only 22.

I agree, the back that was in for the series seemed to stay in for the most part. Also Jacobs runs upright and Bradshaw seems to get his pad level lower, ideal for goal line short yardage situations.

There is NO way Bradshaw is a better short yardage runner than Jacobs folks. The split may go many ways, but make no mistake that Jacobs is the best short yardage back on the Giants and a top one in the league

 

[Liquid Tension]

Ask H.K.

Glad you asked, you've come to the right place.When looking at Bradshaw vs. Jacobs next year, you need to look at several things:

1) Who is the better player in an equal setting when the stakes are highest?

Four games in the playoffs -

Bradshaw: 48 carries, 208 yds for 4.3 YPC

Jacobs: 62 carries, 197 yds for 3.2 YPC



Advantage: Bradshaw

Let me add a bit to your facts. First of all, you failed to mention that Jacobs scored in 3 of those 4 playoff games. Bradshaw only had 1. When it mattered, Jacobs was given the ball and he delivered into the endzone. Second of all, in 2 of the 4 games, Bradshaw only had 6 and 9 carries. In those 2 games, his ypc was 5.7 and 5.0 respectively. In the other 2 games, he was given 16 and 17 carries and only had a 3.9 ypc in those games. Which brings me to my final point and why some of you may want to temper your enthusiasm about Bradshaw. Despite how good he has looked (which I agree he has), he is definitely a small back and likely not suited to be a feature back. Here are some interesting splits for the 2007 season:

Attempts				  Att	 Yds	 Avg   Lng	 TD	  1stAttempts 1-Through-10 	 51 	339 	6.6	88 	 2 	13Attempts 11-Through-20 	20 	59 	 3.0	8	   0 	 2

Those are #'s consistent with a guy who does best with a limited # of carries. While it's a small sample size, there's a drastic difference in those #'s that is not surprising. Those of you thinking he's going to get the majority of the carries are being a little bit optimistic in terms of how the coaching staff feels, how big he is, and how he's performed when given more than 10 carries/game. The guy is a talented back and looks good on the field, but I don't know if he's really feature back material at this point.

Also, we are talking about fantasy and when you look at "when the stakes are highest" Jacobs outpointed Bradshaw 46.6 - 29.5 in the postseason.

 

[Wildman]

I think basing rookie's short yardage stats in limited carries vs. a third year vet who already went through his rookie adjustment may be a short-sighted argument. That said, Jacobs will be the man until he gives the Giants more reason to conclude he can't stay healthy or consistently is out-produced by Bradshaw.

I thought Bradshaw's vision was among the best of all backs in the 2007 draft class. He's a solid mid-round pick for a re-draft.

 

[Donnie Brasco]

This is a very interesting topic and will be discussed many times over the summer...

I do believe that Bradshaw's value is in a Dynasty format league. But he will get carries no matter what happens, I'm guessing in the 30-35% range, unless there is an injury too Jacobs. Which would mean a huge up tick in carries... Counting Bradshaw out is a huge mistake IMO. He will be a decent asset in PPR leagues.

One point I wanted bring up was, do you all remember that guy who was the primary RB for the Giants for years.. Bradshaw kind of reminds me of him.. It takes these small guys a few years to find there grove.. It took Tiki 3 years before he was a Fantasy stud... So I would expect a very similar carrier pattern for Bradshaw.. So after a year or 2 of playing second fiddle to Jacobs I wouldn't be surprised if Bradshaw is a very good fantasy producer.

 

[Boone22]

I saw this on KFFL yesterday and immediately thought that it wouldn't surprise me to see Ward get cut or traded despite how well he did last year. If Bradshaw really is the #2 and since Droughns plays Special Teams, Fullback, and RB, it may be worth more to the Giants to keep Droughns and try to trade away Ward to get something in return. Keep in mind Ward's injury history since he's been in the league and the fact that he only signed a 1 year deal and a trade isn't out of the question.

Giants | Ward could start in 2008

Thu, 8 May 2008 11:16:46 -0700

USA Today reports New York Giants RB Derrick Ward could start if RB Brandon Jacobs misses time due to injury. However, Ward is likely to be the team's No. 3 running back entering the 2008 season. He may battle for a roster spot with RB Reuben Droughns.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I want to throw out there in Dynasty Leagues that to the best of my knowledge both Jacobs and Ward are FA at the end of this season...not sure what Bradshaw will run you, but owning this trio at RB could pay big dividends if and when it gets broken up and 1-2 of them land with different teams and challenge.

 

[H.K.]

Sounds like Bradshaw is slated to be the primary backup. So much for Ward as a threat.

Published Thu May 8 2:17:00 p.m. ET 2008

(KFFL) USA Today reports New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to enter the 2008 season as RB Brandon Jacobs' primary backup.

Ask H.K.

Let me add a bit to your facts. First of all, you failed to mention that Jacobs scored in 3 of those 4 playoff games. Bradshaw only had 1. When it mattered, Jacobs was given the ball and he delivered into the endzone. Second of all, in 2 of the 4 games, Bradshaw only had 6 and 9 carries. In those 2 games, his ypc was 5.7 and 5.0 respectively. In the other 2 games, he was given 16 and 17 carries and only had a 3.9 ypc in those games. Which brings me to my final point and why some of you may want to temper your enthusiasm about Bradshaw. Despite how good he has looked (which I agree he has), he is definitely a small back and likely not suited to be a feature back. Here are some interesting splits for the 2007 season:
Attempts Att Yds Avg Lng TD 1stAttempts 1-Through-10 51 339 6.6 88 2 13Attempts 11-Through-20 20 59 3.0 8 0 2Those are #'s consistent with a guy who does best with a limited # of carries. While it's a small sample size, there's a drastic difference in those #'s that is not surprising. Those of you thinking he's going to get the majority of the carries are being a little bit optimistic in terms of how the coaching staff feels, how big he is, and how he's performed when given more than 10 carries/game. The guy is a talented back and looks good on the field, but I don't know if he's really feature back material at this point.

You cherry picked the stats on 10+ carries that don't account for the quality of competition or the situational game conditions.Here is how Bradshaw performed in the three games he had more than 10 carries.

Week 16 @ Buffalo (defense avg. YPA 4.4) - 17 for 151 & TD with a 8.9 YPA

****Six carries were with less than four minutes to go and the Giants running out the clock with a 10 point lead after he iced the game with an 88 yard TD run.

Wildcard @ Tampa Bay (defense avg. YPA 3.8) - 17 for 66 with a 3.9 YPA

****Again, six carries were with less than four minutes to go and the Giants running out the clock with a 10 point lead. TB loaded up against the run fighting for their playoff existence.



Conf. Final @ Green Bay (defense avg. YPA 3.9) - 16 for 63 & TD with a 3.9 YPA

****Let's look at how the game ended and notice two very important things - 1) The chance to go to the Super Bowl is on the line and Jacobs is nowhere to be found 2) NYG is positioning itself for two game winning field goal attempts and running the ball at a defense that knew it was coming.

New York Giants at 02:15

1-10-GB 48 (2:15) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw left guard for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN NULLIFIED by Penalty. PENALTY on NYG-76-C.Snee, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at GB 47.

1-19-NYG 43 (2:05) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short right to 85-D.Tyree to NYG 47 for 4 yards (21-C.Woodson).

2-15-NYG 47 (1:59) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 12-S.Smith to GB 38 for 15 yards (36-N.Collins). The Replay Assistant challenged the first down ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 12-S.Smith to GB 39 for 14 yards (36-N.Collins).

3-1-GB 39 (1:17) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw left end to GB 31 for 8 yards (36-N.Collins, 99-C.Williams).

1-10-GB 31 53) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short right to 12-S.Smith to GB 20 for 11 yards (20-A.Bigby).

1-10-GB 20 30) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw right guard to GB 18 for 2 yards (74-A.Kampman; 99-C.Williams).

2-8-GB 18 05) 10-E.Manning spiked the ball to stop the clock.

3-8-GB 18 04) 9-L.Tynes 36 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.

Overtime

Green Bay Packers at 15:00

9-L.Tynes kicks 63 yards from NYG 30 to GB 7. 81-K.Robinson to GB 26 for 19 yards (22-R.Droughns).

1-10-GB 26 (14:54) 25-R.Grant left end to GB 28 for 2 yards (58-A.Pierce). NYG-91-J.Tuck was injured during the play.

2-8-GB 28 (14:13) 4-B.Favre pass short right intended for 80-D.Driver INTERCEPTED by 23-C.Webster at GB 43. 23-C.Webster to GB 34 for 9 yards (80-D.Driver).

New York Giants at 14:04

1-10-GB 34 (14:04) 44-A.Bradshaw right end to GB 30 for 4 yards (74-A.Kampman, 56-N.Barnett).

2-6-GB 30 (13:21) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw right tackle to GB 29 for 1 yard (77-C.Jenkins, 74-A.Kampman).

3-5-GB 29 (12:38) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass incomplete short left to 12-S.Smith.

4-5-GB 29 (12:34) 9-L.Tynes 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.

Bradshaw barely even played in the regular season.....he had 6 carries on the entire season going into Week 16....then when he got his chance, he outperformed Jacobs. He'll win the job in camp and be used just like Barber was the season before Jacobs was drafted.

 

[houndirish]

Jacobs is the guy. Bradshaw will see spot duty as COP until Jake gets dinged up and misses games ... which will happen. The Giants have a great RB position but they don't have a great RB. Jacobs is a load and the kind of guy the Giants envision being fed the ball in the 4th quarter with a lead to punish the opposing defense. However Jacobs isn't fast, runs upright and also is prone to fumbling. The upright bruising running style causes him to take too many hits which is why the injuries seemingly pop up. If Jacobs could stay healthy he'd be the feature back all year, however I see the Giants RB future playing out the same way it did last season. BJ will be good for a strong 10 games. Then they'll need to fall back on someone else. Bradshaw needs to prove he can be that guy. I think he can fill that role perfectly but tend to agree with others that he'd struggle to be a feature back in the next 2 years. His pass catching ability is unrivaled in NY's backfield and for a smaller guy he picks up the blitz pretty damn well. Don't get caught up in rating him on his draft position. He was a steal in the 7th. The Giants felt he was 3rd round caliber but his off-field issues in college hurt his stock. Bradshaw is slippery and has playmaking speed. He can become a multi-facted weapon in the Giants arsenal in a short amount of time but you're always going to need another back around due to his stature. In an odd sort of way, Bradshaw's presence may actually help Jacobs contract negotiations when the time comes. If Jacobs again shows promise but fails to stay healthy the Giants may be more inclined to keep him knowing they have Bradshaw. I don't think AB's presence will force Jake out the door.

For the record I'm not arguing one versus the other based on my own interest as I've got 'em both on my dynasty roster. But I do think Jacobs will still be considered the feature back until his health prevents it. Bradshaw won't win that rank in an open competition but he'll earn it by injury default.

Ward is nothing more than an insurance policy for NY. True the coaching staff likes him but they also recognize he's not a special athlete. The Giants were originally interested in re-signing him but his agent asked for too much. He was given the opportunity to sign elsewhere in the offseason and barely got sniffed on the open market. At that point the game was up for Ward and he came slinking back and took what the Giants offered. That being said I don't see him getting cut as he's a relative bargain. Unless Ward plays terribly in the preseason the odd man out will be Droughns.

 

[zed2283]

So what I'm reading into this is that Jacobs could be a great value in redrafts this year, given all the Bradshaw love. I would still see it as 70/30 in favor of Jacobs. Ward is #3, but will take a 50/50 split when Jacobs gets hurt (unless it ends up being Droughns, like someone said).

 

[Wildman]

Sounds like Bradshaw is slated to be the primary backup. So much for Ward as a threat.

Published Thu May 8 2:17:00 p.m. ET 2008

(KFFL) USA Today reports New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to enter the 2008 season as RB Brandon Jacobs' primary backup.

Ask H.K.

Let me add a bit to your facts. First of all, you failed to mention that Jacobs scored in 3 of those 4 playoff games. Bradshaw only had 1. When it mattered, Jacobs was given the ball and he delivered into the endzone. Second of all, in 2 of the 4 games, Bradshaw only had 6 and 9 carries. In those 2 games, his ypc was 5.7 and 5.0 respectively. In the other 2 games, he was given 16 and 17 carries and only had a 3.9 ypc in those games. Which brings me to my final point and why some of you may want to temper your enthusiasm about Bradshaw. Despite how good he has looked (which I agree he has), he is definitely a small back and likely not suited to be a feature back. Here are some interesting splits for the 2007 season:
Attempts Att Yds Avg Lng TD 1stAttempts 1-Through-10 51 339 6.6 88 2 13Attempts 11-Through-20 20 59 3.0 8 0 2Those are #'s consistent with a guy who does best with a limited # of carries. While it's a small sample size, there's a drastic difference in those #'s that is not surprising. Those of you thinking he's going to get the majority of the carries are being a little bit optimistic in terms of how the coaching staff feels, how big he is, and how he's performed when given more than 10 carries/game. The guy is a talented back and looks good on the field, but I don't know if he's really feature back material at this point.

You cherry picked the stats on 10+ carries that don't account for the quality of competition or the situational game conditions.Here is how Bradshaw performed in the three games he had more than 10 carries.

Week 16 @ Buffalo (defense avg. YPA 4.4) - 17 for 151 & TD with a 8.9 YPA

****Six carries were with less than four minutes to go and the Giants running out the clock with a 10 point lead after he iced the game with an 88 yard TD run.

Wildcard @ Tampa Bay (defense avg. YPA 3.8) - 17 for 66 with a 3.9 YPA

****Again, six carries were with less than four minutes to go and the Giants running out the clock with a 10 point lead. TB loaded up against the run fighting for their playoff existence.



Conf. Final @ Green Bay (defense avg. YPA 3.9) - 16 for 63 & TD with a 3.9 YPA

****Let's look at how the game ended and notice two very important things - 1) The chance to go to the Super Bowl is on the line and Jacobs is nowhere to be found 2) NYG is positioning itself for two game winning field goal attempts and running the ball at a defense that knew it was coming.

New York Giants at 02:15

1-10-GB 48 (2:15) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw left guard for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN NULLIFIED by Penalty. PENALTY on NYG-76-C.Snee, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at GB 47.

1-19-NYG 43 (2:05) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short right to 85-D.Tyree to NYG 47 for 4 yards (21-C.Woodson).

2-15-NYG 47 (1:59) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 12-S.Smith to GB 38 for 15 yards (36-N.Collins). The Replay Assistant challenged the first down ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 12-S.Smith to GB 39 for 14 yards (36-N.Collins).

3-1-GB 39 (1:17) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw left end to GB 31 for 8 yards (36-N.Collins, 99-C.Williams).

1-10-GB 31 53) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short right to 12-S.Smith to GB 20 for 11 yards (20-A.Bigby).

1-10-GB 20 30) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw right guard to GB 18 for 2 yards (74-A.Kampman; 99-C.Williams).

2-8-GB 18 05) 10-E.Manning spiked the ball to stop the clock.

3-8-GB 18 04) 9-L.Tynes 36 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.

Overtime

Green Bay Packers at 15:00

9-L.Tynes kicks 63 yards from NYG 30 to GB 7. 81-K.Robinson to GB 26 for 19 yards (22-R.Droughns).

1-10-GB 26 (14:54) 25-R.Grant left end to GB 28 for 2 yards (58-A.Pierce). NYG-91-J.Tuck was injured during the play.

2-8-GB 28 (14:13) 4-B.Favre pass short right intended for 80-D.Driver INTERCEPTED by 23-C.Webster at GB 43. 23-C.Webster to GB 34 for 9 yards (80-D.Driver).

New York Giants at 14:04

1-10-GB 34 (14:04) 44-A.Bradshaw right end to GB 30 for 4 yards (74-A.Kampman, 56-N.Barnett).

2-6-GB 30 (13:21) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw right tackle to GB 29 for 1 yard (77-C.Jenkins, 74-A.Kampman).

3-5-GB 29 (12:38) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass incomplete short left to 12-S.Smith.

4-5-GB 29 (12:34) 9-L.Tynes 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.

Bradshaw barely even played in the regular season.....he had 6 carries on the entire season going into Week 16....then when he got his chance, he outperformed Jacobs. He'll win the job in camp and be used just like Barber was the season before Jacobs was drafted.

about the game situation. List stats all you want, but the fact that Bradshaw was the player the Giants staff wanted to give the ball to in those situations is a very telling sign. I don't believe Jacobs will be demoted unless he absolutely bombs, but Bradshaw can only help himself if he has a great camp and pushes Jacobs hard enough ghat if the big guy starts slow, the little guy will get the job by October. A lot of ifs, but enough to draft him in the mid-to-late rounds with the potential to look smart by mid-season.

 

[gianmarco]

Sounds like Bradshaw is slated to be the primary backup. So much for Ward as a threat.

Published Thu May 8 2:17:00 p.m. ET 2008

(KFFL) USA Today reports New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to enter the 2008 season as RB Brandon Jacobs' primary backup.

Ask H.K.

Let me add a bit to your facts. First of all, you failed to mention that Jacobs scored in 3 of those 4 playoff games. Bradshaw only had 1. When it mattered, Jacobs was given the ball and he delivered into the endzone. Second of all, in 2 of the 4 games, Bradshaw only had 6 and 9 carries. In those 2 games, his ypc was 5.7 and 5.0 respectively. In the other 2 games, he was given 16 and 17 carries and only had a 3.9 ypc in those games. Which brings me to my final point and why some of you may want to temper your enthusiasm about Bradshaw. Despite how good he has looked (which I agree he has), he is definitely a small back and likely not suited to be a feature back. Here are some interesting splits for the 2007 season:
Attempts Att Yds Avg Lng TD 1stAttempts 1-Through-10 51 339 6.6 88 2 13Attempts 11-Through-20 20 59 3.0 8 0 2Those are #'s consistent with a guy who does best with a limited # of carries. While it's a small sample size, there's a drastic difference in those #'s that is not surprising. Those of you thinking he's going to get the majority of the carries are being a little bit optimistic in terms of how the coaching staff feels, how big he is, and how he's performed when given more than 10 carries/game. The guy is a talented back and looks good on the field, but I don't know if he's really feature back material at this point.

You cherry picked the stats on 10+ carries that don't account for the quality of competition or the situational game conditions.Here is how Bradshaw performed in the three games he had more than 10 carries.

Week 16 @ Buffalo (defense avg. YPA 4.4) - 17 for 151 & TD with a 8.9 YPA

****Six carries were with less than four minutes to go and the Giants running out the clock with a 10 point lead after he iced the game with an 88 yard TD run.

Wildcard @ Tampa Bay (defense avg. YPA 3.8) - 17 for 66 with a 3.9 YPA

****Again, six carries were with less than four minutes to go and the Giants running out the clock with a 10 point lead. TB loaded up against the run fighting for their playoff existence.



Conf. Final @ Green Bay (defense avg. YPA 3.9) - 16 for 63 & TD with a 3.9 YPA

****Let's look at how the game ended and notice two very important things - 1) The chance to go to the Super Bowl is on the line and Jacobs is nowhere to be found 2) NYG is positioning itself for two game winning field goal attempts and running the ball at a defense that knew it was coming.

New York Giants at 02:15

1-10-GB 48 (2:15) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw left guard for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN NULLIFIED by Penalty. PENALTY on NYG-76-C.Snee, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at GB 47.

1-19-NYG 43 (2:05) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short right to 85-D.Tyree to NYG 47 for 4 yards (21-C.Woodson).

2-15-NYG 47 (1:59) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 12-S.Smith to GB 38 for 15 yards (36-N.Collins). The Replay Assistant challenged the first down ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short middle to 12-S.Smith to GB 39 for 14 yards (36-N.Collins).

3-1-GB 39 (1:17) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw left end to GB 31 for 8 yards (36-N.Collins, 99-C.Williams).

1-10-GB 31 53) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass short right to 12-S.Smith to GB 20 for 11 yards (20-A.Bigby).

1-10-GB 20 30) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw right guard to GB 18 for 2 yards (74-A.Kampman; 99-C.Williams).

2-8-GB 18 05) 10-E.Manning spiked the ball to stop the clock.

3-8-GB 18 04) 9-L.Tynes 36 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.

Overtime

Green Bay Packers at 15:00

9-L.Tynes kicks 63 yards from NYG 30 to GB 7. 81-K.Robinson to GB 26 for 19 yards (22-R.Droughns).

1-10-GB 26 (14:54) 25-R.Grant left end to GB 28 for 2 yards (58-A.Pierce). NYG-91-J.Tuck was injured during the play.

2-8-GB 28 (14:13) 4-B.Favre pass short right intended for 80-D.Driver INTERCEPTED by 23-C.Webster at GB 43. 23-C.Webster to GB 34 for 9 yards (80-D.Driver).

New York Giants at 14:04

1-10-GB 34 (14:04) 44-A.Bradshaw right end to GB 30 for 4 yards (74-A.Kampman, 56-N.Barnett).

2-6-GB 30 (13:21) (Shotgun) 44-A.Bradshaw right tackle to GB 29 for 1 yard (77-C.Jenkins, 74-A.Kampman).

3-5-GB 29 (12:38) (Shotgun) 10-E.Manning pass incomplete short left to 12-S.Smith.

4-5-GB 29 (12:34) 9-L.Tynes 47 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-93-J.Alford, Holder-18-J.Feagles.

Bradshaw barely even played in the regular season.....he had 6 carries on the entire season going into Week 16....then when he got his chance, he outperformed Jacobs. He'll win the job in camp and be used just like Barber was the season before Jacobs was drafted.

I didn't cherry-pick any stats. I went to nfl.com and I looked at his splits. No cherry-picking whatsoever, I just reported exactly what I saw. it's there on his page right here:Bradshaw splits

You can spin those #'s however you want, but the fact of the matter is, you pulled up his end game #'s that reflected what he did with the first 10 carries as well as the rest. When you look at his #'s and his production with those first 10 carries, it is outstanding. I'm not arguing that. However, his production on carries 11+ is not very good at all. While it's a small sample size, that's the kind of production that will keep him from being a lead ball carrier if he's not able to be effective after 10 carries. They will continue to use him as they did giving him 8-10 carries and allowing him to put up those #'s that he did.

But, in those 20 carries he had that came after 10 carries, his longest run was 8 yds and he had a miserable 3.0 ypc average. And there is a definite discrepancy in those splits. Can he overcome that and be a lead RB? Of course he can. Is that enough information to say he'll never be more than a 10 carry/game guy? Absolutely not. Is it something to be aware of as a possible reason that might keep him from being the main guy? It sure is if you're smart. If that trend continues, no coaching staff is going to give him the rock 15+ times/game if he starts to lose his effectiveness after ~10 carries. Those #'s clearly show that (albeit an admittedly very small sample size). Given his size, it's not terribly surprising.

ETA--And again, this bears repeating. He had 4 games in the postseason

Game 1 -- 17 carries for 66 yds (3.9 ypc)

Game 2 -- 6 carries for 34 yds (5.7 ypc)

Game 3 -- 16 carries for 63 yds (3.9 ypc)

Game 4 -- 9 carries for 45 yds (5.0 ypc)

When you look at those #'s, he clearly performed better when he only had 6 and 9 carries. When asked to carry the ball more (only 16 and 17 times), his ypc was mediocre at best.

 

[Jason Wood]

I'm absolutely baffled at the hype train surrounding Ahmad Bradshaw.

Brandon Jacobs averaged nearly 100 yards rushing per game last year and was a force when healthy. Even if you project him to miss some time, let's not forget that it took Derrick Ward going on IR to get Bradshaw more than a carry. Yes, he had a monster game in Week 17 and followed that up with a solid contribution in the playoffs, but that's hardly indicative of his position on the team. Ward was not only effective as a runner in Jacobs' stead, but he was a fantastic (and surprising) receiving option to boot. If the Giants were so high on Ahmad (195 pounds soaking wet) Bradshaw, why then did they re-sign Derrick Ward in free agency?

I could see the odd man out as Droughns, particularly because his YPC has fallen for four straight years and his 3.2 last season was just atrocious. But other than using Bradshaw as an occasional change of pace to counterbalance the much larger (and more bruising) Jacobs and Ward, Bradshaw shouldn't be much of a consideration in redrafts IMHO.

Given his current ADP, Bradshaw is overvalued while D. Ward is significantly undervalued.

 

[az_prof]

I'm absolutely baffled at the hype train surrounding Ahmad Bradshaw.Brandon Jacobs averaged nearly 100 yards rushing per game last year and was a force when healthy. Even if you project him to miss some time, let's not forget that it took Derrick Ward going on IR to get Bradshaw more than a carry. Yes, he had a monster game in Week 17 and followed that up with a solid contribution in the playoffs, but that's hardly indicative of his position on the team. Ward was not only effective as a runner in Jacobs' stead, but he was a fantastic (and surprising) receiving option to boot. If the Giants were so high on Ahmad (195 pounds soaking wet) Bradshaw, why then did they re-sign Derrick Ward in free agency?I could see the odd man out as Droughns, particularly because his YPC has fallen for four straight years and his 3.2 last season was just atrocious. But other than using Bradshaw as an occasional change of pace to counterbalance the much larger (and more bruising) Jacobs and Ward, Bradshaw shouldn't be much of a consideration in redrafts IMHO.Given his current ADP, Bradshaw is overvalued while D. Ward is significantly undervalued.

Bradshaw is the backup (see my post above). Ward is an afterthought and insurance. jacobs is injury prone and alot of us think Bradshaw is more talented; hence, the love.