Giants’ running game spinning its wheels

If the first three preseason games are any indication, the New York Giants are going to have to rely on Eli Manning and the passing game to put up points.

The running game just hasn’t been there, and it has nothing to do with No. 2 overall draft pick Saquon Barkley missing the last two games with a mild hamstring injury.

While the new revamped offensive line has blocked well for Manning, it is not producing many holes for the running backs.

In the 22-16 win over the Jets on Friday night, the Manning and the No. 1 offense played the first half. The two-time Super Bowl MVP was 17 of 23 for 188 yards. The rushing attack had nine attempts for 1 yard. Veteran Jonathan Stewart had three carries for minus 7 yards and lost a fumble on a first-and-goal at the Jets 6.

The Giants used a lot of two tight end formations in the first half and coach Pat Shurmur said Saturday that the Jets made it tough on the running game putting extra people near the line of scrimmage.

“Nonetheless, we need to

do a better job in all areas, whether it’s getting on the right people,” Shurmur

said. “There weren’t really missed assignments, so to speak, but we’ve just got to get off the double teams a little quicker and then just hit it up in there and give the runner a little bit more room to get his feet going.”