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Toss Up: Giants' RBs
Bradshaw vs. Jacobs
by: Bill Bender | More Experts
Published: Sep 05, 2010
» Get Bill Bender updates via Sportsmail If the New York Giants want to get back to the top of the NFC East, Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs must restore the running game.
We've belabored this point, in the offseason, but the facts remain.
The Giants ranked 17th in rushing offense last season after finishing in the top six in that department from 2005-08. Owners won't forget 2008, when Jacobs and Derrick Ward both reached 1,000 yards.
Can you trust Bradshaw or Jacobs? Which back should your trust? Let's take a closer look:
THE CASE FOR BRADSHAW: Owners seemed fixed on Bradshaw. He's going slightly higher than Jacobs in last-minute drafts, partially because he started with the first string in New York's preseason finale.
Bradshaw appears to be the more explosive back. Injuries and off-field issues have devalued Bradshaw in the past, but he still averages 5.2 yards per carry in three seasons. He also scored seven TDs in '09, which indicates he's more than capable of handling goal-line duties.
Take the upside over the tip-toeing Jacobs.
THE CASE FOR JACOBS: Of course, you're assuming Bradshaw can carry a 200-carry workload. Jacobs disappointed owners last season (835 yards, 5 TDs), but he could thrive with tempered expectations in a flex role.
Jacobs blamed a knee injury for last season's problems, and he appears to be healthy now, and we know he can clear 1,000 yards. Jacobs also has 40 TDs over the past five seasons. When he's healthy and bull-dozing into the end zone, the Giants are a playoff team. Despite their recent differences, Tom Coughlin probably knows this.
VERDICT: The Giants' offensive line needs to improve for both backs to make a major fantasy impact again.
Expect Bradshaw and Jacobs to have similar rushing totals, and Bradshaw probably is the better bet to reach 1,000 yards. More likely both backs will be in the 800-900 range. It comes down to who scores most touchdowns, and track record gives the advantage to Jacobs.
What's the last-minute plan? Treat both backs as flex plays to start the season, and your face won't turn a variant shade of Big Blue. Jacobs and Bradshaw likely will be drafted in the same five-pick range in Rounds 4-5, so base picks on team needs. Seeking yardage? Go with Bradshaw. Want touchdowns? Go with Jacobs.
Toss Up: Giants' RBs
Bradshaw vs. Jacobs
by: Bill Bender | More Experts
Published: Sep 05, 2010
» Get Bill Bender updates via Sportsmail If the New York Giants want to get back to the top of the NFC East, Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs must restore the running game.
We've belabored this point, in the offseason, but the facts remain.
The Giants ranked 17th in rushing offense last season after finishing in the top six in that department from 2005-08. Owners won't forget 2008, when Jacobs and Derrick Ward both reached 1,000 yards.
Can you trust Bradshaw or Jacobs? Which back should your trust? Let's take a closer look:
THE CASE FOR BRADSHAW: Owners seemed fixed on Bradshaw. He's going slightly higher than Jacobs in last-minute drafts, partially because he started with the first string in New York's preseason finale.
Bradshaw appears to be the more explosive back. Injuries and off-field issues have devalued Bradshaw in the past, but he still averages 5.2 yards per carry in three seasons. He also scored seven TDs in '09, which indicates he's more than capable of handling goal-line duties.
Take the upside over the tip-toeing Jacobs.
THE CASE FOR JACOBS: Of course, you're assuming Bradshaw can carry a 200-carry workload. Jacobs disappointed owners last season (835 yards, 5 TDs), but he could thrive with tempered expectations in a flex role.
Jacobs blamed a knee injury for last season's problems, and he appears to be healthy now, and we know he can clear 1,000 yards. Jacobs also has 40 TDs over the past five seasons. When he's healthy and bull-dozing into the end zone, the Giants are a playoff team. Despite their recent differences, Tom Coughlin probably knows this.
VERDICT: The Giants' offensive line needs to improve for both backs to make a major fantasy impact again.
Expect Bradshaw and Jacobs to have similar rushing totals, and Bradshaw probably is the better bet to reach 1,000 yards. More likely both backs will be in the 800-900 range. It comes down to who scores most touchdowns, and track record gives the advantage to Jacobs.
What's the last-minute plan? Treat both backs as flex plays to start the season, and your face won't turn a variant shade of Big Blue. Jacobs and Bradshaw likely will be drafted in the same five-pick range in Rounds 4-5, so base picks on team needs. Seeking yardage? Go with Bradshaw. Want touchdowns? Go with Jacobs.
