At first glance, a comparison between the two-headed rushing attack of Ahmad Bradshaw/Brandon Jacobs and Benjarvus Green-Ellis/Danny Woodhead, seems like an exercise in futility. But each group is special in their own way, lending their talents to help the team reach their goals – even if it means sharing carries, yards, and touchdowns. Even so, each group of running backs will contribute in special ways to help their team try to win Super Bowl XLVI
New York Giants Running Backs
The Giants are primarily a passing team, as evidenced by their last place league ranking in rushing yards on the season. Just don’t fall asleep on the Giant’s running game lest it take you by surprise and change the course of the game. While they trailed the entire league in regular season rushing yards, the New York Giants have seen an improvement in the effectiveness of their running game, pretty much ever since Ahmad Bradshaw ran over Brodney Pool in week 16 of the regular season. The running game was effective in their opening round win against the Falcons; it salted the game away in their win against the Packers; and it did just enough against a staunch 49ers team to get the win.
While they may not beat you for huge plays every time they touch the ball, these Giants running backs are invaluable in another aspect of the game – pass catching. How many times have we seen Eli Manning under duress, find his safety valve in Bradshaw or Jacobs, to pick up a drive-extending first down? Whether by design or necessity, Eli and the Giants offense are good at including their running backs in the pass game – a crucial ability considering the fact that they have wide receivers who stretch the opposing defense, leaving plenty of room for these backs to operate underneath. Just remember – don’t sleep on the Giants running backs. As they showed in the win against the Packers, they are very good at putting a game away, once the Giants have any significant lead.
New England Patriots Running Backs
If there ever was a group of running backs that flew under the radar, it would be the squad from the New England Patriots. Unselfish, and willing to do whatever it takes to get a win, are two descriptors that match up with these running backs perfectly. Benjarvus Green-Ellis is listed as the #1 running back on the depth chart, but often found himself without a single carry in the second half – giving way to the more versatile Danny Woodhead and the up and coming Shane Vareen. Throw Kevin Faulk into the mix occasionally, and it’s a wonder that we haven’t heard any grumbling from within the locker room about a lack of carries or involvement in the offense. Each player knows his role, and executes it exactly how it is drawn up.
When asked to carry the ball, Green-Ellis does (with or without his helmet). When asked to pass block, Danny Woodhead and his build that resembles that of a Jr Higher more than an NFL running back takes on blitzing linebackers and doesn’t flinch. This group isn’t the flashiest, but they know how to win, they know how to be a part of a team, and they know that Tom Brady’s success = their success.