New York Giants: A Look into the 2017 backfield situation

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) rushes the ball as Washington Redskins linebacker Preston Smith (94) looks on during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) rushes the ball as Washington Redskins linebacker Preston Smith (94) looks on during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants: A Look into the 2017 backfield situation
Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Shane Vereen (34) runs with the ball during the first half of their game against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

What does the New York Giants Running Back situation look like entering the 2017 season?

The New York Giants have not had a running back gain over 1,000 yards since Ahmad Bradshaw did so in 2012. In 2016, Rashad Jennings, New York’s leading rusher, fell 407 yards short of 1000 yards.

The Giants ground game has been at the forefront of why the Giants haven’t won a playoff game since 2011. However, with a rebuilt offensive line and young talent in the backfield, 2017 might be the first time since 2012 that New York has a 1,000 yard rusher.

Shane Vereen

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Shane Vereen, who entered the NFL in 2011, looks to be another key player in the Giants offense in 2017. Though Vereen only has one rushing touchdown in a Giants uniform, he is more of an asset in the passing game. His receiving skills out of the backfield are some of the best in the league and is a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators.

Though the backfield will be crowded in 2017, Vereen will undoubtedly be New York’s third-down back. Fans saw little of the versatile running back last season as he missed nine games due to injury.

Vereen is perhaps most fondly remembered in a Giants uniform for his performance against the San Francisco 49ers in 2015. Vereen caught eight passes for 86 yards and a score. Most notably, his performance on the Giants last drive of the game set up Manning’s game-winning touchdown pass to Larry Donnell.