New York Giants: Shane Vereen will help passing offense in 2015

By Jesse Burke | Mar 19, 2015

Shane Vereen formally known as the running back for the New England Patriots, is now joining the New York Giants. The signing brings relevance to the old saying; “can’t beat em, join em” (see Super Bowls 42 and 46). Last year the Giants had a horrific season finishing second to last in their division, and were derailed midway through the season, as they lost seven straight games. It was obvious there was change needed.

On paper, Eli Manning had a strong year, as he had 30 touchdowns and over 4,000 yards passing. He even hit a career-high in completion percentage of 63.1. Unfortunately those numbers did not translate into wins.

There was a bit of a transition and rebuilding period for the Giants’ offense. The Giants brought on former quarterbacks coach of the Green Bay Packers Ben McAdoo to become their new offensive coordinator. Although it is expected to take time for chemistry to form, there still seemed to be a piece missing from the puzzle.

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With the many dimensions Vereen has to offer, he may be that missing link to complete the Giants’ offense.

Vereen is a running back on paper however on the field he is more than that. In the last two seasons, Vereen has 99 receptions. That stat alone gives McAdoo a new toy in the backfield. This lifts an enormous amount of pressure off of Manning’s shoulders to have a good receiving back. With a receiving minded running back it spreads the field and adds a new dynamic to the Giants’ offense and play calling, which was the ultimate goal upon McAdoo’s acquisition.

Dec 7, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) rushes for yardage against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. Giants defeated the Titans 36-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants have two other strong backs in Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams; however they are run-first oriented, as they should be. Manning, before was asked to look off his receivers and put things into his own hands oddly enough attempting to use his feet to extend plays. For those that haven’t seen Manning run often, it is not pretty or effective. Giants fans can be seen covering their eyes or on the verge of a heart attack whenever Manning runs the ball.

Now with the addition of Vereen, if a play goes south and the rare but not unlikely chance Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle or Odell Beckham Jr. is not open, a simple dump pass to Vereen can turn a loss or incomplete play into a gain of yardage. When Vereen touches the ball he has the capability to be a play-maker, and that is something that can help any offense.

With the nightmare of last season behind us, the Giants have dreams to be back on the big stage. With recent newcomer Vereen, who is only 26-years-old, and has his prime years still ahead of him, this will be a GIANT step in the right direction.

Next: How have the Giants done so far this offseason?

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