New York Giants Excel in Rushing Against Packers: Here’s Why
The New York Giants faced a challenging game against the Green Bay Packers, resulting in a 27-20 defeat. This marked the fifth consecutive loss for the Giants under new head coach Mike Kafka. Despite holding possession for ten additional minutes and out-gaining the Packers by forty yards, the Giants could not secure a win.
New York Giants Excel in Rushing Against Packers
The Giants showed commendable dedication to their rushing attack, making significant strides on the ground. They recorded 142 rushing yards on 38 attempts, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, with three rushing touchdowns. Devin Singletary accounting for two touchdowns and Jameis Winston contributing one.
Key Offensive Stats
- Total rushing attempts: 38
- Total rushing yards: 142
- Average yards per carry: 3.7
- Touchdowns: 3 (2 by Devin Singletary, 1 by Jameis Winston)
According to Doug Analytics, the Giants had a +0.075 Expected Points Added per Rush against the Packers. Since the year 2000, teams achieving 38 or more rushing attempts with a similar EPA/Rush statistic have won 95.8% of their games. Unfortunately, the Giants fell into the remaining 4.2% this past Sunday.
The Giants’ offensive strategy proved effective against a Green Bay defense that had limited opponents to an average of 96 rushing yards per game, ranking seventh in the NFL. Singletary averaged 4.6 yards per carry while Tracy managed 3.21 yards after contact, showcasing their effectiveness on the ground.
Rushing Strategy and Execution
Mike Kafka employed a multidimensional rushing strategy, incorporating various techniques such as counter and power running. The offensive line displayed solid teamwork, allowing the backs to find crucial openings. This approach helped the Giants maintain an adaptive offensive game plan.
Green Bay mostly operated out of a 3-3-5 nickel package but switched to a 3-4 formation on 29% of their plays. The Packers attempted to counter the Giants’ rushing efforts with a six-man box, but Kafka’s offensive line performed admirably against this lighter setup.
Highlight Plays
- Devin Singletary’s Touchdown:
On the opening drive, Singletary executed an impressive cutback that led to a touchdown.
- 17-Yard Rush by Tyrone Tracy:
Late in the game, Tracy showcased his agility and determination, breaking through multiple tackles for a critical first down.
The Giants effectively utilized formations like the T-Formation, allowing for creative playcalling that kept the Packers defensive line guessing. Despite their commendable performance on the ground, the elusive victory continues to be a challenge for the Giants.
Improving their rushing game has shown potential, with the Giants rushing for 50 more yards than their average defensive counterpart, but it was not enough to secure a win against the Packers.
