Ahmad

Bradshaw

The Giants say the short-yardage runs aren’t all about brute force, instead referring to technique and hitting the hole quickly. Still, the 5-10/214 Bradshaw failed twice in the role against the Redskins while the 6'4/264 Brandon Jacobs watched from the sidelines. Bradshaw figures to be on a short leash for the crucial goal-line work.

Bradshaw drew the start and was the feature back on the first two drives. After that it was a true rotation with Brandon Jacobs, as neither back saw more than two straight series as the exclusive runner. Bradshaw’s highlight was a 23-yard reception on third-and-long that Jacobs took in from nine yards out to put the Giants up 28-7. At this point, it’s clear the two are in a timeshare. Consider it next to impossible to predict who will get short-yardage, red zone work and goal-line work.

Bradshaw broke through tackles all afternoon, and took multiple short-yardage carries away from Brandon Jacobs, who was able to go just 19 yards on seven totes. Bradshaw has now carried the ball at least 13 times in each of the Giants’ first three games, while Jacobs has taken the rock more than seven times just once. The duo is in a committee, but it appears to be one Bradshaw will lead in touches for the second straight year.

Even though Brandon Jacobs (knee) was inactive, Bradshaw simply couldn’t get anything going against the Seahawks’ underrated run defense. His longest run on the day was 11 yards as he continually ran into the line. Bradshaw is a strong bet to bounce back against the Bills next week, especially if Jacobs sits again.

It’s what we would expect with two weeks before the Giants’ next game. Jacobs will likely be held out until next Wednesday’s practice. At this point, his status for Week 8 is in question.

“No question about it,” said Jacobs. “No doubt in my mind.” The pain and swelling in his knee are “almost gone,” so he’ll be good to go after resting for the remainder of this week. Ahmad Bradshaw will head back to low-end RB2 status as the lead-back in a committee. It’s not a bad idea to sell high in the bye week after three Week 6 touchdowns.

Bradshaw played through the fracture down the stretch, so it’s not unreasonable to suspect that rest will heal the injury. Bradshaw underwent surgery on both feet during the 2010 offseason and one ankle last offseason.

This is hardly a surprise with only Da’Rel Scott and Danny Ware as legitimate threats for touches behind oft-injured Ahmad Bradshaw. The Giants considered bringing back Brandon Jacobs, but he signed with the 49ers. Free agents Joseph Addai, Cedric Benson, and Ryan Grant could be on their radar if they don’t come out of the draft with someone better.

Running on a treadmill, Bradshaw says he hasn’t felt this good in eight years. He could be in for a bigger role this year depending on the backfield additions in the draft and the last wave of free agency.

Bradshaw’s role was scaled back last season, in large part due to the mid-season fracture in his foot. He clarified that his recent injection was of the stem cell variety, and he now feels “great.” Bradshaw expects his workload to bounce back to the level of 2010, when he easily established a career-high with 276 carries. We remain skeptical that the Giants will want their top back to take that pounding after undergoing surgeries on each leg and ankle over the past 2-3 years.