Breaking down ground attacks in the NFC East

In the NFC East, the Giants averaged the highest yards per carry over the full 2018 season (4.7) compared to the Cowboys (4.5), Washington (4.3) and Eagles (3.9). But Big Blue was third among those teams in total rushing yards (1,650) behind Dallas (1,963) and Washington (1,774), ahead of Philly (1,570).

Here is a breakdown of how the Giants fared in the ground game in-division last season.

At Cowboys, Week 2 (rush advantage Dallas, 20-13 Loss): Cowboys 25 carries, 138 yards, 5.5 average, 1 TD (Elliott); Giants 17 carries, 35 yards, 2.2 average, 0 TDs (Barkley).

Eagles, Week 6 (rush adv. Giants, 34-13 Loss): Giants 17 carries, 147 yards, 8.6 average, 1 TD (Barkley); Eagles 31 carries, 108 yards, 3.5 average, 1 TD (Smallwood).

Washington, Week 8 (rush adv. Wash, 20-13 Loss): Washington 33 carries, 182 yards, 5.5 average, 1 TD (Peterson); Giants 14 carries, 37 yards, 2.6 average, 0 TDs (Barkley).

At Eagles, Week 12 (rush adv. Eagles*, 25-22 Loss): Eagles 29 carries, 127 yards, 4.4 average, 1 TD (Josh Adams); Giants 18 carries, 126 yards, 7.0 average, 1 TD (Saquon Barkley)

At Washington, Week 14 (rush adv. Giants, 40-16 Win): Giants 34 carries, 227 yards, 6.7 average, 1 TD (Barkley); Washington 22 carries, 84 yards, 3.3 average, 1 TD (Josh Johnson).

Cowboys, Week 17 (rush adv. Giants, 36-35 Loss): Giants 25 carries, 143 yards, 5.7 average, 2 TDs (Barkley). Cowboys 22 carries, 51 yards, 2.3 average, 1 TD (Rod Smith).

Giants’ 2018 NFC East record: 1-5

Total score: NFC East opponents 151, Giants 136

Head-to-head rushing yards total: Giants 715, NFC East opponents 690

Head-to-head yards per carry: Giants 5.72, NFC East opponents 4.25

NFC East games out-rushing opponent: Giants 3, opponents 3

Giants’ record in NFC East games when out-rushing opponent: 1-2

* The Giants had a better rush average in Week 12, but Philly outgained them on the ground.