This author makes the case for Ward over Jacobs. Scroll down to the 2nd section.
Basically he says that Ward is the better all-around back, better receiver, better on 3rd downs. Jacobs clearly is the more physical back but how much punishment can he take with his bruising style? Also argues that Bradshaw's physical style is more similar to Jacobs, despite his size.
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Find a way to keep both. And Bradshaw. IMHO.
Next question?
I will agree Jacobs will cost plenty more to keep than Ward. But we have someone at RB right now we will be talking about for the next 30 years, we need to keep him in Blue.
Ward is getting a lot of disrespect in this thread - he's quite a running back in his own right.
My only thought was for going into next season.
Our options:
1) Resign Jacobs and Ward. Everybody's happy! We're two-time reigning Super Bowl Champions and the world is a great place.
2) Re-sign Ward, promote Bradshaw. The two have a more even split of carries. Ward remains the 3rd down back, primary receiving back and a good backfield blocker. We lose much of our intimidation factor in the running game. Total cost $3-4 million/year.
3) Re-sign Jacobs, promote Bradshaw. Bradshaw becomes the 3rd down back. Jacobs may take an even larger burden of the carries. The running game is an incredible physical force between the two. On third down passing situations, we have a problem in the backfield. Jacobs can block, but cannot catch. Bradshaw is an unknown, but I would not presume that a 5'9 195lb player is the best blocker. He's an amazing runner when he's dishing out the punishment - but receiving it in pass-blocking is problem. Total cost - $5-6 million/year.
In conclusion, Jacobs is possibly the better running back (although the Football Outsiders stats say they are roughly equal) - but his peak value comes from short yardage situations - which Bradshaw does well at. Ward is the better receiver and is likely a better blocker than Bradshaw, who would have to replace him on third down.
If I have to pick 1 back, I likely pick Jacobs. If I have to pick two, I pick Ward and Jacobs. If one of the two has to be Bradshaw - Ward is a better and cheaper compliment.
Now, bring on the flames!
Ware looks like he can be another Ward. No one looks like another Jacobs.......
Ward is a good player.
Jacobs is a great player.
Keep Jacobs.
Don't get me wrong - I love Jacobs - but he is a product of this offensive line as much as Ward is. Once Jacobs gets past the line of scrimmage, he is one of the top 5 backs in this league. Before the line of scrimmage, if the defense gets penetration, Jacobs cannot evade the tackle if he hasn't built up a head of steam.
so would you rather have BJ or Ward and Butler?
probably BJ
but what about Ward and Webster or BJ. Or ward and Cofield or BJ?
So can someone give me a reason The Giants cant sign both Ward and Jacobs next year?
Just ask Wilson what the money brought him...
Its the 25,000 Dollar Question....Where you gonna make the money?
With a Winner or a Loser?
Agreed that both Ward and Jacobs do a great job, and that Bradshaw is much smaller than either one.
But, Bradshaw is very strong and compact. He doesn't weigh much less than Tiki Barber, who was very good at picking up the blitzers.
If a man of Bradshaw's build and strength learns how to use leverage (hit 'em low), he can do a good job.
Now, if he doesn't have the smarts to learn how to do it, that's another story.
First, we'd hear leaks about Jacobs' unreasonable contract demands. Then the Giants would publicly say something about how they'd love to have him back, but they can't break up the team to do so - followed immediately by another leak about how Jacobs doesn't care about the team and is only about the money, which would include a random anecdote about one time when he did something non team-like.
So, BlueLou, you're right. That last comment wasn't serious. I have full and complete faith in the Giants front office to do what is best for this team.
However, I still stand behind the original thought that Ward may be the better choice after this season if only one can stay and we take money into account. If Ware can step up and fill the Ward role, though, I would reconsider.
Lastly again I don't think signing Jacobs will ask for boatloads of $$, and I think Ward won't command that much at all. Everone in the league can see how well the Giants' OL is performing this year so I'm not sure either Jacobs or Ward will have megabucks thrown at them. On the flip side some marquee highly paid FAs didn't do much at all for their new clubs this year (see Oakland & D. Hall, J. Walker.)
Don't forget about Danny Ware.