John Harbaugh did not mince words this week about the New York Giants’ rushing attack. The head coach told reporters on Wednesday that the unit is simply not good enough yet. This blunt admission comes after four games where the team has dominated time of possession but failed to generate explosive plays on the ground.
Per Yahoo Sports, the Giants are averaging just 3.7 yards per carry, a number that ranks 23rd in the entire NFL. Through four games, the team has recorded just eight runs of at least 10 yards, a total better than only five other teams in the league.
Skattebo’s Long Run Hits a Wall
Second-year running back Cam Skattebo has seen the most work in the backfield, yet his longest run of the season is just 13 yards. That stat stands in stark contrast to the 24-yard longest run he posted last season. Skattebo’s rushing success rate has fallen to 44.1 percent despite accumulating 235 yards, one touchdown, and 68 carries.
Although the offense demands physicality and he handles the dirty work, the results have failed to materialize. Harbaugh addressed this directly, stating, “Yeah, I mean, we’re just not good enough yet. Defenses are playing us pretty well. As we get better, we’ll probably have more longer runs.”
The problem is not a lack of effort or a lack of attempts. The Giants have averaged 29.8 rushing attempts per game, ranking fifth in the NFL. They are grinding out first downs and controlling the clock, but they are not breaking big plays. The offense is built to be physical, but it is stuck in neutral when it comes to explosive runs. Without those big gains, the offense becomes predictable and easier to stop in critical moments.
Play Action Holds the Key
Harbaugh believes the solution lies in making defenses pay for their aggression. He noted that if the Giants can use play action more effectively, it might loosen up the opposing defenses. The team has used play action just 33 times through four games, which ranks 24th in the league.
When they do use it, they average 10.3 yards per play, a strong indicator that the concept works. Harbaugh explained the strategy by saying, “Also, if we make them pay a little more with play action, I think that’ll loosen them up a little bit, probably.”
The Giants have the elements in place to succeed. They have a physical identity and a defense that ranks ninth in yards allowed. The issue is purely one of execution on offense. The coaching staff knows what is missing, and the players are aware of the gap between where they are and where they need to be.
Harbaugh emphasized the work ethic, noting, “I think the guys are working hard at it. We’re playing very hard. We’re trying to play very physically. So, all the elements are there. We just have to get better, keep getting better.”
The Giants face the Washington Commanders on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Northwest Stadium. Washington is 1-3 and looking for its first division win, while New York sits atop the NFC East at 3-1. The Commanders have allowed 11 passing touchdowns through four games, but their defense has been solid against the run.
If the Giants cannot fix their rushing issues, they will struggle to control the game against a team that needs a win. The margin for error is thin, and the coach’s words make it clear that more of the same will not be enough. The team must find a way to break the 13-yard ceiling on runs if they want to stay on top.
