Brian Daboll has taken over as the playcaller for the New York Giants, and early signs show that the running game will remain important even with Saquon Barkley now playing for the Philadelphia Eagles.
In their 14-3 win against the Detroit Lions on a rainy Thursday night at MetLife Stadium, the Giants ran the ball 27 times out of 54 offensive plays. They gained 155 yards on those runs, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Both touchdowns came from runs by Eric Gray.
When Daboll decided to step in as the playcaller, replacing Mike Kafka after last season, it was uncertain what to expect from the Giants’ offense this year.
Before joining the Giants in 2022, Daboll was the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, where he helped Josh Allen become a quarterback who threw for over 4,000 yards and more than 30 touchdown passes each year.
The Bills did run the ball, but their passing game was more prominent.
In reviewing the preseason opener, Daboll emphasized the need for a strong running game and a physical approach.
Without a good running game, Daboll said offenses become predictable. He mentioned that having various running plays is important to keep defenses guessing, whether attacking the edges or the inside.
“So, to be able to attack the front or the fronts that you see and keep people guessing, I think is important, just like it is in the pass game,” Daboll said Friday. “How you tie it together from one week to the next, one week it might be this, the next week it might be that, is based on your preparation and the defenses that you see, how they play them.”
Daboll said he wants his players to be aggressive and keep defensive coordinators and players on their toes.
In the offseason, the Giants improved one of the weakest offenses in the league by drafting speedy LSU receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick. They also strengthened the offensive line by signing veterans Jon Runyan Jr., Jermaine Eluemunor, Greg Van Roten, and Aaron Stinnie, and replaced Barkley by bringing in veteran Devin Singletary.
