Okay, so forget solely being goal line additions. The truth is the New York Giants took their running game as far as they could on Sunday and they desperately needed help in the back field as they lost to the Dallas Cowboys 36-31 in the season opener. Yes, Eli Manning threw three interceptions, but if the Giants spent some money on a veteran running back, would it hurt them that much?
David Wilson was the man in charge of the running game entering the 2013 season. He knew this, however, little changed as the second-year back fumbled once again against the Cowboys in the season opener. Wilson fumbled, not once, both of which were very costly.
New York Giant fans, you might be a little emotional after the loss, but check out the numbers. Michael Turner is still only 31 years old. Last season, he showed signs of slowing down, but he's a veteran back with playoff experience that knows how to win games. In 2012, while with the Atlanta Falcons, Turner rushed for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns. He only fumbled the ball three times last season and his career high for a season is four fumbles. That's a number Wilson might reach by Week 2 if he gets another opportunity to play.
Realistically, what other options do the Giants have? He might have fumbled twice, but the reality is that Wilson is their best option at the running back position even though he is a bit sloppy with the ball. Turner would be an improvement only because he's a veteran, but he's at the back end of his career.
Another option would be Willis McGahee, but we are once again dealing with an aging veteran. Last season with the Denver Broncos, McGahee went for 731 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games played. His numbers really took a dip following a 2011 season where he rushed for almost 1,200 yards. The bad thing about McGahee is that he is also prone to fumbling the ball, committing five fumbles in 2012.
The Giants need a running back who can catch the ball as well and Da'Rel Scott did not provide that late in the game as the team was making a run. Despite their six turnovers, the Giants had a chance to win the ball game. Take a veteran back like McGahee, who caught 221 yards on 26 receptions or Turner, who went for 128 yards on 19 catches, and maybe the Giants would have capped off the game-winning drive.
The Denver Broncos are the Giants' Week 2 opponents. As much as Eli can sit back and pass the way he did late in the game, he will need a balanced attack. Right about, Eli can only trust his wide receivers, placing little faith on Scott and Wilson.
The Giants might want to look into going out and acquiring a running back, even if they have to spend some money. At this point, Turner and McGahee should not be worth much money anyways. The Giants need a veteran back who they can count on in late game situations and at least provide some security for Eli in the pocket. Not to mention, the Giants only tallied 50 rushing yards against the Cowboys as their running game was non-existant in their first game of the year.
What do you think the Giants should do? Keep Wilson and Scott or acquire a veteran back?