Coughlin explains Bradshaw's absence

by Ed Valentine on Sep 6, 2008 12:00 PM EDT in New York Giants News

Some of you wondered why Ahmad Bradshaw never got into Thursday's game. Here is Tom Coughlin's explanation.

How about Ahmad Bradshaw not getting any carries?

That was my fault. I didn’t get that rotation worked out the way I really would want to. One of the things was I thought that the runs that we were making… let’s face it, you are talking about a really very, very physical defense now, a defense that was eighth in the league last year. You are lining up against a very physical, stout defense, an outstanding front, (Jason) Taylor played pretty much the whole game so they were intact with the exception of Springs, who I know they missed having on the field. When we were making yards they were tough yards and I was pleased with some of the things that were happening with Jacobs and then with Derrick Ward. Not that I am not pleased with Bradshaw. No, that is not the case, but I just didn’t get the right rotation.

Is that a tough thing for you? Dividing up 30 or so carries between three running backs?

It is not easy, but the roles will develop. The roles will get better. Fortunately for us, what we have are guys that can do all three, to be honest with you. They can pass protect, they know the pass protection rules, they have done a good job with that in the past, and so we don’t particularly spot them in and out on any one down. It normally plays itself out because all those guys you know you have to be involved in special teams as well. Bradshaw has his multiple special teams assignments, Derrick Ward has special teams assignments.

Bradshaw will get plenty of opportunities to help this team. It is impossible, though, to split carries between three backs without somebody drawing the short straw once in a while. Thursday, the short straw belonged to Bradshaw.

NOTE: Like this post? Click the headline, then the 'Buzz Up' logo at the top of the page. Help share Big Blue View grow by recommending it to Yahoo! Buzz.

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Good post

It did seem curious to me, but I suppose that’s a solid explanation. Maybe I’m underrating Ward, and how effective he was before he was hurt, but I rate Bradshaw ahead of him.

by drunkUncle on Sep 6, 2008 6:25 PM EDT reply actions

true

but with all of Bradshaw’s issues in the offseason maybe he fell down on the depth chart.

by DoctorK16 on Sep 6, 2008 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions

The Giants are blessed to have four damn good backs,

some with the potential to become legends

by george cronin on Sep 6, 2008 7:18 PM EDT reply actions

George is right

I think that Bradshaw was pretty ineffective in the pre-season, which shouldn’t be held against him … but, Ward is a good player. Bradshaw will get his chances.

by Ed Valentine on Sep 6, 2008 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

George is right

I think that Bradshaw was pretty ineffective in the pre-season, which shouldn’t be held against him … but, Ward is a good player. Bradshaw will get his chances.

by Ed Valentine on Sep 6, 2008 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

I've read Coughlin's response twice and I still don't get it.

Coughlin said,

“I didn’t get that rotation worked out the way I really would want to”

That makes it sound like he wanted him in but made some kind of mistake in the game plan. If Bradshaw had a weak preseason and needs to work his way back into the offense then why not say so?

He could have said something like what you just wrote, Ed.

I know that sometimes when verbal responses are transcribed from “coachspeak” they don’t make much sense but that last paragraph of Coughlin’s makes it sound like there is more to this than meets the eye.

I suppose he may be trying to motivate Bradshaw by limiting his play. But based on his game performances of last year he should be at least given a couple of shots to break one. I like Ward but Bradshaw had so many big plays last year he needs to get a chnace to prove he can still do it. I think he can, regardless of a less than stellar reseason.

by giant fan since 57 on Sep 7, 2008 5:32 AM EDT reply actions

Totaly Satisfied with TC's explanation.

When speaking publicly you always measure your words and can’t always say whats truly in your gut. While speaking to the media TC was no doubt considering that he was also speaking to Bradshaw ,the team and the rest of the league. I think probably that the way the ebb and flow of the game went he just decided to go with the two more physical guys. Not that Bradshaw isn’t physical, he runs really hard,he finishes his runs very well just that he is smaller in stature. No doubt he’s going to see a lot of action before it’s all said and done.

We're only gonna score 17 points?

by big blue wrecking crew on Sep 7, 2008 8:46 AM EDT reply actions