New York Giants: Will Andre Williams be the starter?

By Nick Ziegler | Aug 27, 2015

The New York Giants were hit hard by the injuries last season, as numerous starters went down to injury during the season.

On offense, the most notable injury was the one to Victor Cruz in Philadelphia, which ended his season. Another big injury to the Giants’ offense was the loss of running back Rashad Jennings for multiple games last season.

Jennings was a solid free agent signing for the Giants in the 2014 offseason after a good season with the Oakland Raiders in 2013. Jennings had a decent year for the Giants in 2014 even with the injuries, as he totaled 639 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, but did have a disappointing 3.8 yards per carry average.

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The highlight of Jennings’ season came in Week 3 against the Houston Texans as he totaled 176 rushing yards with a rushing touchdown. The injury to Jennings really affected the Giants’ ability to check down to a running back, as Jennings was an exceptional receiver out of the backfield.

Filling in for Jennings when he was hurt was rookie Andre Williams from Boston College.

The Giants selected Williams in the fourth-round of the 2014 NFL Draft after Williams had an amazing senior season at Boston College. In his senior season, Williams totaled 355 carries, 2,177 rushing yards, and 18 rushing touchdowns.

While Williams was a great running back in college, he had a bit of a learning curve when he came into a starting job in 2014 filling in Jennings. Williams came into the NFL not being a good receiver, and that proved true in 2014.

In his rookie season, Williams totaled 721 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, and a 3.3 yards per carry average. Although it wasn’t a great statistical rookie season, Williams has used the experience to become a better football player.

Coming into 2015, Williams is improved at being more patient as a runner, and has also improved as a receiver. Jennings was assumed to be the starting running back this season even with Williams and the newly signed Shane Vereen in the backfield.

According to Dan Graziano of ESPN.com, Williams may become the Giants’ featured back either before the season starts or during it. Williams has been impressing on the practice field for the Giants, and is looking to force his way into carries.

The Giants’ offense is going to have to be very good this season with all of the injuries already to their shaky defense. A strong running game can help keep that defense off the field, which is a recipe for success for the Giants.

With a backfield of Jennings, Vereen, and Williams, the Giants’ coaching staff will likely be using them situationally. It is also important to have all three be able to both run and catch effectively to keep defenses honest. Most likely, touches will be split up between Jennings and Williams running the football, but the high praise for Williams is a good thing for the future of the Giants.

Next: Who was the best Giants' player of 2014?

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