Ever since Saquon Barkley was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, there has been constant concern about the New York Giants backfield. The latest voice to join that chorus is former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who recently named Devin Singletary of the Giants the worst starting running back in the league.
Jones-Drew’s ranking, which places Singletary at the bottom of his list of 32 starting running backs, is sure to raise eyebrows among Giants fans. Here’s what Jones-Drew had to say:
“Singletary was good in Houston last season, setting career highs in runs and yards, but he won’t draw the attention of opposing defenses. Plus, I wonder if New York has done enough to strengthen its offensive line. Big Blue’s running game faces an uphill battle.”
Assessing Singletary’s performance
Devin Singletary’s stats for the 2023 season tell a story of consistency rather than spectacular play. In 17 games, Singletary carried the ball 216 times for 898 rushing yards, an average of 4.2 yards per carry, and reached the end zone four times. He also caught 30 balls for 193 yards. Those numbers are respectable, especially considering Singletary shared the backfield and played in a talented offense in Houston.
Jones-Drew’s criticism goes beyond the numbers, though. His main concern is whether Singletary can be the focal point of a running game that keeps defenses on their toes. Singletary has never been the explosive, game-winning running back that strikes fear into opponents. His strength lies in his reliability and ability to contribute consistently, which may not be enough to carry the Giants’ running game alone.
The question of the offensive line
Jones-Drew’s doubts about the Giants’ offensive line also give context to his rankings. The Giants’ O-line has been a source of concern for years and is often blamed for the team’s struggles in both the running and passing games. Although the front office has made efforts to improve the line, including by signing new players like Jon Runyan Jr., Jermaine Eluemunor and Greg Van Roten, Singletary’s performance could be hampered by a line that still has question marks. If the line doesn’t play together, Singletary could struggle to find the routes he needs to be effective.
Reasons for optimism
Despite the criticism, there are reasons to believe Singletary could succeed in New York. The soon-to-be 27-year-old running back is still in peak form and has plenty of tread left on his tires. He has shown he can be a reliable contributor, and he is optimistic about the offense under head coach Brian Daboll.
Singletary’s familiarity with Daboll’s system from their time together in Buffalo is also a positive. Under Daboll’s leadership, the Bills made the playoffs every season Singletary was a part of the team, and the Giants are no doubt hoping to get the “motor” in Daboll’s scheme running again.
A fair assessment?
While Singletary’s low-end ranking may seem harsh, there is a reason for Jones-Drew’s skepticism. Singletary is a solid running back, but he lacks the explosiveness that can turn a good play into a great one. Additionally, the Giants’ offensive line is still developing, which could limit Singletary’s effectiveness.
However, with Daboll’s offensive system and Singletary’s proven ability to perform in the right environment, there’s a chance Singletary could surprise critics. At just 27 years old, he’s far from finished, and if the Giants can get their offensive line issues under control, Singletary could prove to be a valuable addition.
