The New York Giants are working to improve their rushing attack despite early-season struggles. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy emphasized the need for flexibility within the coaching staff and the offensive scheme as the team seeks to establish a more effective ground game under head coach John Harbaugh.

Harbaugh has expressed a clear intention to field a physically imposing offense anchored by a power running game, moving away from a pass-heavy approach. However, the team’s rushing performance has been inconsistent through the early part of the season. The Giants rank 16th in the NFL with an average of 109 rushing yards per game, a figure that does not fully reflect mixed results. They have recorded the seventh most rushing attempts in the league (147), but their average of 3.7 yards per carry ranks 25th, and the team has only one rushing touchdown—tied for the fewest in the league. Long runs have also been scarce, with just one rush over 20 yards, placing them near the bottom of the rankings. Additionally, the Giants have struggled with ball security, with five rushing fumbles, second-most in the league.

“We see this as a work in progress,” Nagy said, adding that the coaching staff has identified some underlying issues but declined to elaborate publicly. The Giants are looking to make adjustments ahead of their upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints, who rank 30th in run defense, allowing 148 rushing yards per game. This matchup is viewed as an opportunity for New York to make strides in their rushing effectiveness.

Last week’s game against the Washington Commanders highlighted the Giants' running game challenges, as they managed only 26 rushing yards in the first half. Guard Jon Runyan Jr. described the initial outing as “disappointing” and “super slow.” The offense shifted to a pass-heavy approach as the team fell behind by 14 points. This transition created more space on the field, allowing running back Cam Skatebo to find some success before a late fumble hindered the team’s chances of securing a win.

“We had been in that up-tempo, throwing the ball all over the place, and that kind of lightened out the box,” Runyan said, noting that it led to some surprise runs and a potential breakthrough. However, he emphasized the desire to find a balance rather than rely heavily on the passing game.

The Saints, meanwhile, are under pressure following a 1-4 start to the season marked by three consecutive home losses. Team owner Gayle Benson publicly expressed dissatisfaction and urged the organization to improve preparation, execution, and decision-making to reverse their fortunes. Head coach Kellen Moore, who has a 7-15 record since taking over last season, echoed a commitment to shared goals and collective improvement in response to Benson’s remarks.

For the Giants, maintaining their lead atop the NFC East may depend in large part on revitalizing their rushing attack and establishing a more balanced offense as the season progresses.