Giants Aim to Revitalize Dormant Rushing Attack

The New York Giants are confronting a significant challenge as they aim to bolster their underperforming rushing game. Despite a stated identity centered on physicality and a power running approach, the team's ground attack is currently falling short of expectations.

As the Giants head into their game against the Saints, their rushing offense ranks 16th in the NFL, averaging 109 yards per game. This figure is somewhat misleading, as the team has attempted the seventh-most rushes in the league with 147 carries. However, their average yards per carry is tied for 25th at 3.7. The team has managed only one rushing touchdown, a figure tied for the second-fewest in the league, and has recorded just one run of 20 or more yards, placing them tied for 29th. Compounding these issues, the Giants have fumbled the ball five times on rushing plays, which is tied for the second-most in the NFL.

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy acknowledged the team's struggles, describing the rushing game as "a little bit of a work in progress." He expressed confidence in the coaching staff's ability to find solutions, stating, "I do believe that we’re on our way into doing some things, and so that’ll be good. We look forward to seeing what comes from it."

Nagy emphasized the importance of flexibility for coaches, noting, "You got to be able to be flexible with the players, with your scheme, with the coaches. You can’t be stubborn." He added that the coaching staff is committed to doing "what’s best for the players and for us."

This week presents an opportunity for the Giants to improve their ground game, as they face the Saints, who are 30th in the league in run defense, allowing an average of 148 yards per game.

In their most recent outing, a 27-27 tie against the Commanders, the Giants' rushing attack struggled significantly, managing only 26 yards in the first half. Guard Jon Runyan Jr. described the performance as "disappointing" and "super slow."

It was only when the offense shifted to a pass-heavy attack out of desperation, trailing by 14 points, that the more spread-out formations created some running opportunities. However, a late fumble by Cam Skattebo ultimately cost the Giants a chance at victory. Runyan suggested that the shift to a pass-first approach did open up the field, stating, "I think we kind of found something on offense. Not necessarily throwing it 54 times."

Meanwhile, the Saints are reportedly under pressure following three consecutive home losses to the Raiders, Falcons, and Vikings. Owner Gayle Benson described the team's 1-4 start as "not acceptable" and issued a warning, stating, "Everyone in this organization understands the urgency. We must prepare better, execute consistently and correct the mistakes that are costing us games."

Head coach Kellen Moore, who holds a 7-15 record since his hiring last season, responded to Benson's comments by acknowledging the shared goal of better results. "We all want better results, and that’s how this business is. We’re all shooting for the same goals and aspirations. It’s about getting there together, collectively. And so that’s the focus of our group."

The Giants' primary focus remains on maintaining their first-place lead in the NFC East, and improving their rushing attack is seen as a critical step toward achieving that goal.