Breakout Player: Ware, Brown or Johnson?
by Ed Valentine on Jun 9, 2010 7:00 AM EDT
in New York Giants News
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PrintWe can cross our fingers and hope Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw can stay healthy for the entire 2010 season and carry the rushing load for the New York Giants.
Deep down, however, I think we all understand that the Giants will need another running back to step forward this season to carry some of the load -- whether that be as a third-down pass-catcher, a short-yardage back or a guy who can handle 15 or so carries in the event Jacobs or Bradshaw gets dinged up.
There are three candidates for that third slot in the running back rotation. Danny (or is it D.J.?) Ware, Andre Brown and Gartrell Johnson.
Which guy do you think has the best chance of being a 'breakout player' in 2010?
Ware is, more or less, the incumbent in this competition. The Giants expected Ware to grab the role of third-down back last season, but injuries and an apparently questionable work ethic as the season progressed derailed him. He ended up with just 13 rushing attempts and three pass receptions for the season.
Ware is still only 25, even though it seems he has been around forever. He has the size (6-foot, 234 pounds), the speed and the hands to be quality back. He had a golden opportunity in 2009, and could not grab it. Maybe he still can, but you have to start to wonder.
Brown is the wild-card in the equation. He looked terrific in camp last season, but the fourth-round pick from North Carolina State lost his rookie season to a ruptured Achilles Tendon. I think we would all like to see him make it back, and eventually grab this job. The 6-foot, 224-pounder is in uncharted waters for a running back, though, trying to come back from an injury that can have a devastating impact on the ability to make sharp, quick cuts -- the things a running back lives on.
Johnson is probably the dark horse here. The Giants picked up the 5-foot-10, 219-pound Johnson on waivers from San Diego last season. He had been a fourth-round pick by the Chargers.
Johnson got limited opportunities, ending up with 13 carries in mostly mop-up duty. He seems like a powerful guy who might fit as an 8-10 carry per game guy, or short-yardage power back.
So, which of the three do you think will step forward for the Giants this season?
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impossible to predict...
This is the million dollar question. What will improve?
Ware’s attitude or Brown’s health?
Andre Brown is intriguing but brittle. Ware is talented but lacks toughness and desire. Gartrell Johnson is a backup/ST guy. I think that the Giants running back for the next 5 years could be DJ Ware, but he’s got to get his head on straight and become a pro.
Unfortunately, given Andre Brown’s history, he probably won’t even make it out of camp without an injury again.
Brown's Achilles
Don’t count him out. Don’t know about his collegiate injury history, but I suspect whether he makes it or not will be less a product of achilles injury than his talent level. I tore my achilles at 38, and while I am hardly a pro athlete I don’t see it as an injury that would prohibit him from coming back. With a full year of rehab from top quality trainers, I don’t see why he can’t plant and cut. I’m guessing that most guys for whom it is really devastating have torn it later in career, and they were about done anyway. The podiatrists or orthos in our group may tell me I’m all wet, but I’m optimistic.
by NorthwestFan on Jun 9, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Im hoping for Gartell
But I think that Ware will hold the job. I just dont see Johnson having a breakout season, and I have a bad feeling that Brown wont be able to fulfill the potential he showed last year due to his injuries. Still, youre going to know the most about this when you go to training camp Ed
2010 is the year of the Giants!
ugh I think we should have drafted an RB somewhere
It’ll be Ware but not sure we’ll get anything productive from him at all. I hope Gilbribe doesn’t get stubborn and keep running into the ground if we get stuck in a bad situation. Would be much better to dump tiny passes in the flat, over the middle and quick tiny slants to guys like Boss, Beckum, Smith and Manningham instead of trying to ride Gartrell, Ware and Brown.
by BigBlueDeadHead on Jun 9, 2010 7:53 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I hope
it is Brown, seen enough of Ware, maybe Brown can be a reliable third down back out of the backfield too?
His mother has a tattoo that reads, "Son".
"I don't always drink beer, but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
Stay thirsty my friends."
Camp will tell
But if I had to make a safe pick I would say Gartell.
IMO, Ware, like Goff, seems to have missed his window. I could be WAY off on both but ample opportunity was presented and wasted.
Brown will need more time to recover. He may be the guy in 2011.
That leaves Johnson who showed a bit in limited action last year.
What opportunity was wasted?
Ware dislocated his elbow on the opening kick off last year. Then after he came back, he got a concussion, which is a hot button issue in the NFL right now. Ware’s opportunity consists of 15 carries in two years. In those 15 carries he’s rushed for 88 yards. Plus he caught 3 passes. Meanwhile, Johnson, who had the same number of carries as Ware (13) last year got 43 yards on those (3.3 ypc versus 5.6). I’d say Ware did a lot more with an equally limited oppportunity.Frankly, I’d be looking to get Ware more touches this year unless Brown or Johnson shows an awful lot in training camp. If Brown is really recovered, I think he might be able to pass Ware on the depth chart, but that’s a big if.
Also I’m not sure why you think Goff has missed his window. he was injured virtually all his rookie year and then got thrown in as the starter after Pierce went down. The Giants seem to be giving him every chance to compete for that job — and didn’t even address linebacker until the 4th round of the draft. Goff’s been running with the first team at OTAs, so I think the window is wide open. I don’t know if he’ll be any good, but the Giants certainly haven’t written him off.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Jun 9, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Ware
I’m not going to dig into the stats so I ’ll take your RB comparrisons at face value. My perception that Ware has gotten a fair opportunty may be off. Frankly I have always liked Ware and think he has a lot of upside but got the impression from reading that he might not have the best work ethic. All opinion.
IMO Goff did miss his shot. When you get a chance to start for the last few games of the season – games that mean something – and the D performs they way it did (how many points???) then I say you blew it. He was not thrown in – he was reasonably ready.
You and a lot of others, inc TC, disagree. He is taking starters snaps. I’ll go on record here as saying that we saw Goff at the end of last year and he ain’t it.
Would LOVE to be wrong so the Giants have a depth “problem”. Do not think I am. But TC does …so there you have it.
I actually agree about Goff
I’m with you in that I personally don’t think Goff is going to turn out to be a long term solution at MLB. My point was, as you note, that the Giants certainly seem to think there’s something there. otherwise they would have been more aggressive about replacing him with a higher draft pick or a free agent. While I’m not optimistic, Llke you, I hope he proves me wrong. But, I also don’t think it’s fair to judge him too harshly based on the Giant’s defensive failures after he became the starter. He made his share of mistakes, but by that point the team was already in free fall and the whole defense was playing horribly. Expecting a mid round draft pick getting his first full time game experience to turn that mess around is not realistic. Goff wasn’t the major cause of those late season losses.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Jun 9, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
He was lost
Goff didn’t know the playbook. That’s inexcusable. That’s why Boley was the one making the defensive calls, something Boley hadn’t done at any point in his career.
Camp will be a BIG deal for Goff
Hope he does well. I really do.
But I agree that he should have been more ready and he should have performed better at the end of 2009
I think Gerris is a dark horse. He COULD surprise at MLB.
I've always been
a big Gerris supporter. The injuries just keep on mounting though. I remember him running stride for stride with moss in one on one coverage and tipping a ball away. How many LBs can do that? Apparently he hasn’t been getting many reps at MLB in OTAs. I hope that changes in minicamp. I’d like to see him get a real shot too.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Jun 9, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Gerris is my MLB pick
Disclaimer: If he can stay healthy enough to stay on the field, then Gerris is my MLB pick.
I don't want gerris
Nothing against him, I hope he plays well for us, but in a backup role.
There is no way I want a position that is that important in terms of being the on-field coach and playcaller to be as fragile as him. This seems like a position that needs to be occupied by someone we can count on to be on the field EVERY week
Injuries
Are part of how guys miss opportunities in the NFL. The Giants have been waiting for Ware, and last year was his best chance because there was really no one else after Brown went down. This year it could be much tougher for him to earn an opportunity.
by Ed Valentine on Jun 9, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I guess
it all depends on how healthy Brown is. I suspect the Giants will want to give Brown a full shot — if he’s healthy. But since I don’t expect Jacobs to play a full season there’s definitely going to be plenty of opportunities for a third back to get some carries. I guess a lot will depend on whether Ware can crawl out of TC’s doghouse.
At a minimum, I’d like to see Ware get a chance to return kicks. Hixon is an excellent punt returner, but only so so at kick off returns. Ware returned kicks pretty well in pre season two years ago, so maybe he could give us a boost there.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Jun 9, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Finally!!!
lol
I say Andre Brown. I really think last year he was on the fast track to slide right into Derrick Ward’s role and maybe even get as many carries as Bradshaw
He’s obviously gonna come back. And they must be confident he’s coming back strong enough to make an impact.
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit
yo free
reading this post is making me hate Jason Pierre-Project and has me fondly remembering the days when you were hot on the trail of CJ Spiller
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Jun 9, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
lol..
Spiller, what could have been! Now at best he’ll be Barry Sanders running for 1600 yards a season on 7-9 Bills teams
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit
Danny Ware
right off the bat because he knows the system and honestly I feel more comfortable with him in pass blocking. The chance is here for him to take over the 3rd rb spot. He needs to have a good camp and really show his stuff.
I really liked Brown going into last season but injuries are a part of the game. I hope he is ready to go for camp this summer…..
Very hard to predict....
But, I am pulling for Andre Brown. He looked great before his unfortunate injury. I am hoping for a full recovery see me can see what this kid can do. Good luck, Andre.
5ft 190 _- 219 lbs
Daaaam he’s tall ha !…ummmm I’m hoping for brown but leaning towards Johnson
Regroup refocus..retool...
by Mr.Williams on Jun 9, 2010 8:56 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
What's with the Ware comments
I see a lot of negativity directed toward Danny Ware in these posts. I’m not sure I get it. The claim that he he’s flubbed his opportunity doesn’t make any sense. He really hasn’t had much of an opportunity. Between injuries and p;aying behind Jacobs and Bradshaw, he’s gotten very few carries. And when he has had chances he’s actually run well. I think it’s way to small a sample to say that this guy can’t be a good NFL runner. Yes he did have a fumble last year, but every running back fumbles sometimes and there’s nothing to suggest that he’s a chronic fumblus has enough information about that to write the guy off. If any of these backs emerges as a contributor this year, I think it will be Ware.
He may well not do much, but it’s way too early to write him off.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Jun 9, 2010 9:09 AM EDT reply actions
good call....
personally i’m not some big Ware fan but seriously the guy fumbled 1 ball and found him self in the dog house.
he was literally a fan favorite up until the season but getting injured the first week and than fumbling the ball in denver just pretty much put an end to all of that.
again, not a big Ware fan, but the guy deserves more than 1 chance….he fumbled a ball, get over it.
"Throw the damn ball to Kevin Boss" - Andiamo708
johnson
He’s actually looked pretty good in limited duty and remember the FO was big on him before SD snatched him up. I like him he runs hard and makes decisions quickly and hits the hole at full steam. I wouldn’t be surprised if another team comes calling for him a la Ryan Grant, another power running team would love this guy I think.
Ware seems like a wuss. He apparently has questionable work ethic and didn’t really show much toughness when he melted from that hit that ended his season. Granted he got a “concussion” but Troy Aikman and Steve Young looked more rugged than Ware did coming back to the sideline that day.
Andre is a wildcard. We have no idea. We hear he looked good last camp but we need some tape at the pro level to know anything. I hope he’s as good as advertised.
I need the season to start. All this speculation makes me crazy. Let’s put some pads on and do some hittin!!!!
by Eli10 on Jun 9, 2010 9:22 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I'm hoping that it's Andre Brown...
but for the purposes of this endeavor I’ll say Johnson, as the odds against Brown coming back from that particular injury are long indeed. Ware may be the second most talented of the group if all are healthy, but he appears to have rented the penthouse suite in TC’s doghouse and I don’t see that as a good sign for him. Johnson was obviously someone the Giants had been interested in while the draft was underway, and they scooped him up quickly when he became free. I think he’ll get a chance and if Brown isn’t healthy, he’ll probably rank ahead of Ware.
Brown has the skills to be a complimentary back. He probably has the best hands of the RBs and he’s got the size and speed. The only question is can he stay healthy and what kind of player can he be after rupturing his achilles ?
by TheBXRepresenta on Jun 9, 2010 9:48 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I liked what I saw from Johnson last year...
In his very limited time, he showed that he is someone who hits the hole with 100% tenacity and conviction.
I’m hoping for Andre Brown, but with that injury it might take him a little longer to get back…and when he does comeback, how much of that injury will have reduced his speed or cutting abilities?
Ware, I still have hope for, but that mid-season thing about his work ethic, just leaves me with a ??? I think if he needs an infusion of self-confidence and go get em attitude.
Opus smart , lascivio magis , intereo gauisus...
Pulling for Andre Brown
If he can still make the cuts, he probably has the highest upside
Ware’s concussion: A hit like that can be the equivalent of putting your head thru your cars windshield. Westbrook was nothing after his concussion.
Johnson: had a few highlight plays but was underwhelming
IMO....the answer is....
NONE OF THESE GUYS
Jacobs sat outta the Minn game last year and AB had two broken feet….
guess who had the most carries that game?
that’s right AB.
Ware is in the dog house.
G. Johnson is low man on the totem pole
Brown is the only one who’s got a chance IMO, but the achilles kinda worries me….and at the end of the day we still got Jacobs and Bradshaw….
"Throw the damn ball to Kevin Boss" - Andiamo708
There is some truth to all this
The third back for 2010 may not be on the roster at all.
Which brings up the Lynch from Buffalo conversations once again. A head case but a talented head case.
If all three flop and if either AB or BJ falters or gets hurt, having that talent might not be a bad thing. Yeah I know – if he gets in trouble in Buffalo……. Sometimes a risk is necessary
No, no, no and no
If he gets in trouble in Buffalo again it will be the fourth or fifth time. We wouldn’t want T.O. or Pacman Jones on this roster why would we want Lynch? That goes against everything this organization has shown the last three years.
Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
by bigbluethruandthru on Jun 9, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Giants don't need T.O. or Jones
However your point is well taken. Troublemakers are worse off in NYC.
But we may look back and wish we had at least thought about it.
He's got skill no doubt
but haven’t we had enough trouble with players and guns without knowingly bringing it back into the equation?
Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
by bigbluethruandthru on Jun 9, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
All bets are off
The Giants should be a “doghouse free” team in 2010. Enough with the pettiness. Ware has to be given a legitimate shot. Coughlin can’t afford to play mind games by putting people on the bench if they can be productive players on the field. He doesn’t know what he’ll get out of Jacobs, Bradshaw, or Brown. Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.
why does Ware have to be given a shot now?
with Brown and Johnson breathing down his neck?
IMO his chance shoulda been last year vs. Minn in a meaningless game w/ AB playing on 2 broken feet.
Instead he got 4 carries.
hey, i think we should be dog house free to, but gawd forbid Ware fumbles a ball in pre season or missed a blitz….he’ll be done.
I don’t think Coughlin looks at it as spiting his face…just more of him being his old hard ass self.
"Throw the damn ball to Kevin Boss" - Andiamo708
All of them go nuts and the Giants have five 1,000 yard rushers
Ok really, Brown coming off the Achilles injury I have to think won’t be top form yet, so I have to go with Ware. He has all the ability to be a very good back and I think we may see more proof of that this year.
"stupidity + alcohol = getting your ass beat" AKA the Philadelphia town motto - hotspur
Ware
I think it will be Ware but I think whoever it is will have to contribute on special teams.None of the 3 is that much better than the other ones, so special teams will go a long way to seeing who even gets the chance for the #3 back behind Jacobs/Bradshaw
We need to add a back after this year if the same disaster as last year occurs this year.
Will they carry 5 RBs?
I see one being put on the practice squad. Most likely that would be Johnson. As soon as that happens, he’ll get picked up by some other team. I’d hate to lose him like we lost Ryan Grant.
I also agree....
unless jacobs and ab and brown just don’t look 100%
"Throw the damn ball to Kevin Boss" - Andiamo708
I'm hoping it's Brown
But more then likely it will be Ware if Brown is not ready to go. Ware is more familiar with the playbook than Brown and also his injuries were less severe. I really hope Ware is still motivated because this will probably be his last shot with the Giants. As for Johnson…I’m just not impressed with him, I really don’t see him becoming a factor unless there are massive injuries to our other backs, he will be on the practice squad come September.
Goff or Dillard? That is the question.
I have no idea who fits the bill the best but,
Fill in the blanks
The guy with the best hands and work with screen blockers is…
The guys who can hold a block and save Eli’s ass is…
The guy who can contribute the most on special teams is….
The rest of the running responsibilities can be handled more than adequately by the tandem of Jacobs and Bradshaw. The two of them provide the full spectrum of RB styles and there is only a need for a third in order to give the some time off the field or to throw a curveball on 3rd down and long.
Crap shoot here but I'll say
Johnson. No real reason, no statistical data, no rational thought – just a guess.
I could come up with reasons and such. However, injuries/transactions/etc could affect the whole situation, making the most educated guessers look foolish in the long run.
We didn't even have a chance for the "perfect season", but we did have the perfect ending.
Hopefully someone from another team will become available
How mabout Steve Slaton being 3rd on Houston’s depth chart.Maybe MB3 as a cap casualty.Anything would help but like most of you guys I don’t want Lynch…if we get a guy like him and it poisons our team it isn’t worth it.BJ and AB will both get hurt and just cant be relied on.Also GT is a baum.
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