Tom Coughlin Expects David Wilson to ‘Ratchet it Up’ This Week
A couple of weeks ago, rookie running back David Wilson pondered how he was supposed to show the coaches that he was ready for a bigger role in the offense when he wasn’t getting chances in the games to prove his worthiness.
Well, as the old saying goes, be careful for what your wish for, as Wilson appears likely to finally get that long-awaited opportunity.
“Ratchet it up,” said head coach Tom Coughlin of Wilson. “He’s ready to go.”
When asked how he knew that Wilson was ready to go, Coughlin said, “He’s got to go. We’ve had people that have had to step up in the past when situations like this have arisen. We’ve put a lot of responsibility on their shoulders and it’s time for him. He’s a first round draft choice, a talented kid. He got some plays the other night, which was a good thing. We go from there.”
The biggest knock on Wilson to date has been his knowledge of the pass blocking assignments. Wilson has been spending almost every day working with fullback Henry Hynoski, who quizzes the former Virginia Tech standout on the various assignments and adjustments. Hynoski not only quizzes Wilson by having him write down all the likely scenarios, the two spend at least an extra hour a day studying film so that Wilson can apply the terminology to what he sees on film.
If Wilson isn’t where the coaches need him to be, the Giants could turn to one or both of their newly signed running backs, Ryan Torain and Kregg Lumpkin.
“They had outstanding workouts and were in a need at that position there,” Coughlin said of what he liked about the two newest members of the team and adding that there was a possibility of either of them playing this week.
“We’re going to get them on the practice field today and, basically, they’ll have some scout team reps, maybe a rep or two with the offensive team and we’ll go from there.”
Another option would be to increase Ahmad Bradshaw’s snaps, leaving him in to pass block. Bradshaw, who continues to be bothered by a foot problem, has seen his rushes limited to no more than 15 carries the last three games, but he’s been on the field much more than that to help with the pass blocking, especially last week after Brown went down with his broken leg.
“Ahmad has it all,” Coughlin said of his veteran leader. “He’s had the experience, he’s been the pass-protector, he’s caught the ball out of the backfield, and he’s run the ball. Hopefully, we can extend that a bit further and yet develop and get some snaps out of David and, perhaps, someone else as well.”
