Big Blue View: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:



Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: Backing the Pack for NC State Fans!


spread the word

Coughlin explains Bradshaw's absence

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.

0 recs | Comment 7 comments | Share on Facebook Digg!

Story-email Email Printer Print

More from Big Blue View

Giants hope to rev up the run

Dec 2008 by Ed Valentine - 21 comments

Comments

Display:

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

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 reply actions actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Big Blue View is the best independent site on the Internet for year-round news and discussion about the New York Giants.

Community Guidelines
Start posting about the Giants »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Epicchoke_1__small
Blast from Big Blue's Past- A Look at the 70's
Small
NYG Player's Abilities
Small
Giants torrents/ old school videos
Small
RE: Derrick Brooks
Super_bowl_eli_escape_small
Denver's Brandon Marshall could be on the trading block
Leesarah_small
Going Meta - new linking protocol s**ks
Small
Football Outsiders Previews The Giants
Ivan_small
Burress or Toomer?
Epicchoke_1__small
Coleman Zeno
Small
Let's set the record straight...

Post_icon New FanPost All FanPosts Carrot-mini

SPONSORS

Get Your Giants' Gear


Editor-In-Chief

Bigblueview_small Ed Valentine

Editors

Blueshirt_banter_small Jim Schmiedeberg

Authors

Tyree_believe_small cjmulrain

Official Partner of Yahoo! Sports