The New York Giants opened up training camp this weekend with most of the starting jobs already locked up. The one position that is still up grabs is running back, and Andre Brown and David Wilson are the two players fighting for it.
Last year, David Wilson burst onto the scene as an excellent kick returner, and only really contributed to the running game late in the season. Wilson is lightning fast and has shown the ability to break off a huge gain at any given moment.
Andre Brown was the surprise of the season for the Giants last year, rushing for 8 touchdowns in 10 games before breaking his leg. Brown was great in short yardage/goal line situations, an area that the Giants had struggled in the past few years.
Even though running the ball is the main priority for a running back, this position battle may come down to something else – pass protection.
The Giants are still a pass-first team and Eli Manning needs a back that can pick up blitzes and take on defenders one-on-one.
Wilson is a better runner than Brown, but he struggled last year in pass protection.
Prediction
Wilson will be named the Week 1 started, but Brown will be on the field for just about as many snaps as Wilson. Brown will fill the short yardage and third down back role for the Giants, while Wilson gets the majority of the rushes on first and second down.
