Brandon Jacobs, the man who was assumed to have been handed the
starting running back baton from Tiki Barber, was injured on his sixth
rush of the season and hasn't played since. What seemed to be a
devastating blow to the Giants offense has, thus far, looked like a
blessing in disguise as his replacement, Derrick Ward, has done a nice
job in his absence.
Ward's 353 rushing yards are good enough for ninth best in the league.
Not too shabby for a guy who saw just thirty-five carries the
previous three seasons.
However, Jacobs returns to action this Sunday and Head Coach Tom
Coughlin has said that the pair will likely share the load. An
interesting scenario for the Jets defense considering the tandem's
contrasting approach toward running the ball.
"You have to know each guys running style," Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis said of the differing challenges each back presents.
"Jacobs is a downhill guy with power. Once he gets into the open
field he can make guys miss. Ward has power and speed. We have to
gang tackle, play the correct run defense and stop the run."
Yielding 112.5 yards per game, the Jets defense currently ranks 16th
in the league against the run. Given the versatility of the Giants
backfield, Eric Mangini echoed Ellis's sentiments as he has added
increased importance on his defensive preparation for both men.
"You need to understand the way that back is going to run the ball,"
Mangini said of facing the Giants dual threat backfield. "Each back
may run the same play, but they don't run the same play the same way.
The read may be the same, but one guy may be looking to bounce the
ball outside. Another guy may be looking to cut the ball back."
At 1-3, the Jets enter this weekend's rivalry matchup in desperate
need of win to salvage any playoff hopes.
Needless to say, the Jets offensive line will have their hands full
with the Giants red-hot defensive front.
However, the team's ability to effectively adapt to the varying
abilities of Jacobs and Ward will play a crucial role in curbing a
Giants running game that has averaged nearly 100 yards per game
without their featured ball-carrier.