Darkwa making case to be Giants’ RB of the future
EASTRUTHERFORD » As the losses mount for the Giants, a top-three pick in the 2018 NFL Draft growsmore and more likely. And Penn State’s electrifying Saquon Barkley will surely be a tantalizing prospect for a franchise that hasn’t scored 30 points in a game in almost two years.
But the decision-making process will not be easy. Even if Barkley is available, the Giants’ offensive problems are widespread. The offensive line continues to be chaotic, and life after Eli Manning at quarterback remains uncertain.
The draft process could be simplified with the resigning of running back Orleans Darkwa, who said Wednesday that he “definitely” wants to be back in New York next year.
“At the end of the day, I don’t look towards the future right now. I’m focused on the team right now,” Darkwa said. “I let the future play itself out, but right now I’m focused on the teamand getting wins.”
A free agent when the season ends, the fourthyear back out of Tulane has quietly compiled a breakout campaign at an ideal time.
Darkwa, 25, is one of only five NFL running backs averaging more than 5 yards per carry. And his five rushes of at least 20 yards are tied for third with six other backs — none of whom have received as few total carries as Darkwa this season (81).
“I feel like I’ve done a great job blocking, catching the ball when needed and just being patient as a runner,” he said. “I try to get north-south as fast as possible, but at the end of the day you got to be able to understand the schemes as far as the run schemes and being in sync with your o-line. And like I said, when there’s not a hole there, try to create one and minimize the negative yardage.”
At 5-foot-11, 219 pounds, Darkwa describes his running style as hard-nosed. “I feel like I can make people miss when need be,” he says, but he has also proven to be one of the most difficult backs to bring down even when he doesn’t outright elude a defender.
Since he became the Giants’ starter in Week 5, Darkwa leads the league in yards after contact per attempt (3.62), according to Pro Football Focus. That factors in 68 rushes and nine receptions. Philadelphia’s LeGarrett Blount and New Orleans’ Mark Ingram are the only others averaging at least 3 yards after contact.
“Really it’s with the line,” Darkwa said. “Once they can get me a hole or something that I can see, I just try to put my head down and get my legs churning. I think that’s something that I’ve tried to pride myself in. Try to get northsouth as much as possible, as fast as possible and once there’s a guy that gets his hands onme, just keep your legs churning.”
Since rushing for a career-high 117 yards on 21 carries at Denver last month, Darkwa has totaled 141 yards on 30 carries in the last two games against the 49ers and Rams. His 70-yard performance Sunday at San Francisco included rushes of 20 in the first quarter and 18 yards in the third quarter.
Both were nearly identical toss plays to the left side, with fullback Shane Smith as the lead blocker and left tackle Ereck Flowers pulling with a kick-out block on an oncoming cornerback off the edge.
“It was a pretty clean hole (on the 20-yard gain). Once you see that hole, you want to hit it as fast as possible because it’s going to open and close,” Darkwa said. “Shane led up and got the secondary defender out of the way. For me, something that I need to improve on is when the safety is right there, try to get the stiff arm right there. I thought I had him, but I tripped on his feet. But that should have been a touchdown right there. So like I said, I have good runs, but I’m not satisfied.”
The Giants have also seen promise from fourthround rookie Wayne Gallman, who has 204 yards on 48 carries since being activated in Week 4. As a team, they’ve rushed for at least 100 yards in four of the last five games. So running back production hasn’t been much of an issue.
Health remains the key in the final seven games for Darkwa, who has a history of injury issues but has managed to stay on thefield and make the most of increased opportunities during his career season.
Through “investing in his body” more, he could in turn be looking at a hefty payday in the offseason.
“I’m spending as much money as possible to make sure I’m ready to go,” Darkwa said. “Whether that’s a massage or whatever it is, stretching — all those types of things. That’s just something I’ve tried to invest in and continue to do.”