Giants' Running Backs Shine, Linebackers Fight for Jobs

The Giants have been in camp for more than a week, and players are making big strides toward playing time every day. At the same time, injuries occur and backups are forced to step their game up. 

Fans are invited to practice on certain days and autographs will be made available regularly. 

Running Backs

Last year the Giants let Brandon Jacobs walk, and this year they did the same with Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw was the last Giants running back on the team who was involved with the 2007 and 2011 Super Bowl teams. The Giants believe that their new regime is ready to carry the load in 2013.

David Wilson has looked great in his role at lead running back. Wilson is a ball of energy that brings a spark of positivity to the backfield. Or maybe he’s just happy because he got the job. 

If there is a guy who can play well off Wilson’s speed and elusiveness, Andre Brown is that guy. Brown has a huge frame and is a nightmare to tackle. Thunder and lightning are back for big blue.

Rookie running back Michael Cox isn’t likely to be a big part of the offense this season but he could be a solid backup for David Wilson if called upon. Cox is a quick, shifty little runner who has more than enough speed to worry defenders.

Linebackers

The Giants have been known for their pass rush from the defensive end position over the last number of seasons. At the same time, linebackers have been a weakness. Michael Boley is now an Atlanta Falcon and Chase Blackburn is a Crolina Panther.

After watching practice, it appears that Keith Rivers, Spencer Paysinger and Mark Herzlich could have a bit of a lead on the three starting linebacker positions. Mathias Kiwanuka moved back to defense end after Jason Pierre-Paul was injured. This makes room for guys like Dan Connor and Kyle Bosworth, who has had a nice camp so far, to make the roster.

“The guys are all really good guys. They understand that they are competing but they are also pushing each other to get better,” said Jim Herrmann. “They’re helping eachother out to get better as a defensive unit. In this game of football playing linebacker is not easy and there are injuries that happen. When the next guy you put in is just as talented as the guy who is out for a week you are in much better shape as a football team.”

Rivers, Paysinger and Herzlich are all in their mid twenties and could for a solid group of starters but the positions are still very much up for grabs.

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