The New York Giants’ running back situation remains unsettled after a 34-27 defeat to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, exposing ongoing challenges in the team’s ground game and raising questions about coaching decisions. Head coach John Harbaugh’s efforts to establish a robust rushing attack have yet to bear fruit, with the running back committee failing to gain traction through the first five weeks of the NFL season.
Against the Saints, the Giants employed four different running backs, rotating them frequently but failing to develop any consistent rhythm. Najee Harris, returning from a torn Achilles sustained in Week 3 of the previous season, started and logged four carries for just two yards. Harris indicated uncertainty about the approach required, stating it was his first experience with such a backfield rotation. Tyrone Tracy Jr. contributed 18 yards on six carries, including a 17-yard touchdown reception, while Devin Singletary, recently activated from a healthy scratch, added 14 yards on four attempts. Cam Skattebo, the early-season starter, saw limited action and no carries after multiple fumbles, including a costly one in the prior game against Washington.
Harbaugh acknowledged the need for one running back to assert themselves as the primary option, conceding that splitting snaps among four backs is not his preferred approach. “One of those guys needs to step up and be the back,” he said, adding that none had demonstrated the consistency necessary to claim the role yet.
Contributing to the difficulty establishing a ground game is the absence of a dominant power runner reminiscent of Derrick Henry or dynamic quarterback runs like those previously seen from Lamar Jackson. The Giants’ offensive line has not provided the level of support required to ignite the running back corps. Patrick Ricard, a 300-pound fullback known for blocking, reflected on the offense’s inefficacy: “We’re just kinda like fishing for answers and trying to figure it out,” he remarked. “To rush for 30 or 50 yards a game, it’s definitely discouraging.”
The running struggles were compounded by questionable late-game coaching choices, which attracted scrutiny after the loss. In the fourth quarter, trailing 34-24, the Giants advanced into New Orleans territory but postponed a field goal attempt. Instead, they pursued a touchdown, resulting in a false start penalty and an eight-yard sack on quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Ultimately, Dominic Zvada converted a 41-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining, reducing the deficit to seven points.
Harbaugh defended the decision, citing the desire to maximize scoring opportunities and manage the clock effectively, especially aiming to reach the two-minute warning with potential to stop the game clock. However, a short kickoff by Zvada allowed Saints returner Bryce Lance to field the ball five yards deep and run it back, preventing the Giants from utilizing a potential timeout and complicating their late-game strategy.
When questioned about the kickoff’s placement, Harbaugh explained the intention was for the ball to reach the back of the end zone to stop the clock, but the execution fell short. Zvada acknowledged the miscue, vowing to improve.
The Giants demonstrated resilience, rallying late to bring the game within a touchdown and advancing to the Saints’ 12-yard line in the closing moments. Harbaugh indicated he would have attempted a two-point conversion instead of an extra point to tie the game had the score been closer.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, the Giants are expected to continue evaluating their running back options, with no clear starter designated. Tracy described the situation as “open,” underscoring the team’s ongoing search for stability in the backfield. Unless one player emerges as a dependable rusher, the Giants’ hopes of sustaining early-season momentum may be in jeopardy.