Giants vs. Redskins Full Team Grades

Rushing Offense Grade: D

Sep 24, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs past Washington Redskins linebacker Keenan Robinson (52) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants didn’t need the rushing attack much with how well Eli and the passing game was humming along. Even so, you would like to see them get more production from the running game than they did against the Redskins Thursday night.

Washington came into the game allowing the fourth least yards per game in the NFL through two weeks with an average of 70.5. That is a number that will stay strong, as the Giants managed only 84 on 31 carries.

It is nice to see the Giants not abandon the run and leave Manning as a sitting duck in the backfield, but they need to figure out a way to get more production from the backfield. Not having mauling left tackle Ereck Flowers in the lineup this week didn’t help, but it is a group effort up front. They were able to keep Manning clean in the pocket, so some of the blame needs to fall on the trio that was handling carries for the Giants.

Rashad Jennings led the way with 32 yards on 11 carries for an ugly 2.9 yards per carry. He was actually out-touched by Andre Williams tonight, who carried the ball 14 times and gained only 29 yards for an even uglier 2.1 yards per carry. He was able to score a touchdown though, as he converted after Kirk Cousins’ interception in the first quarter. Rounding out the running game was Shane Vereen, who managed 23 yards on six carries for the best yards per carry average of the trio with 3.8.

Many of the Giants runs tonight came out of the shotgun, which is tougher for running backs to get going in. If the Giants want to get anything going on the ground, maybe they should go back to their bread and butter with a tight end and fullback leading the way instead of trying to spread of defenses in shotgun.

The Giants are not going to be able to rely solely on Manning’s arm; this running game has to eventually get on track to help the offense get to the next level.

Next: Passing Defense Grade