Ward muddies deep Giants backfield
The Giants looked awesome running the ball in 2007 no matter who got the ball - as long as it wasn't Reuben Droughns. With Derrick Ward back in the fold, New York again has three great options. Brandon Jacobs, Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw combined for 350 carries and 1801 rushing yards in the regular season, with 51 catches.
I thought Ward could have challenged for a starting job elsewhere, but his injury history must have scared teams away. His return makes a difficult projection in fantasy leagues even harder. Bradshaw has to become a bigger part of the offense. I think he has a chance to be among the best small backs in the NFL.
Ward is better than Jacobs on third downs and deserves more work, but will probably have to wait for an injury. Knowing Jacobs' history, Wars should get his share.
New York's running backs carried the ball 435 times last season, one of the highest totals in the league. If I had to divide up the carries today, with possible injuries taken into account, it would look like something like this.
Brandon Jacobs: 240
Ahmad Bradshaw: 120
Derrick Ward: 75
Both Evan Silva and Patrick Dahl had The Train closer to 270 carries, which I'd love to see as a keeper league owner. I just fear he's either too brittle or his backups are too good. Bradshaw might force his way into a closer split. Silva had Bradshaw well ahead of Ward like me, while Dahl saw a close split of the backups.
It looks like another uncertain backfield in a league full of them. Should make for a fun draft season.
Comments
With Ward re-signing, I fully expect Coughlin and Gilbride to more or less use a "Shanahan" approach and ride the hot hand. Jacobs will undoubtedly be the more valuable fantasy wise as he'll still be the featured goal line back, but other than, it will be tough to project which back will be starter worthy week to week.
Posted by: endzoneview | March 15, 2008 12:48 AM