By Paul Brezo - InReeseWeTrust.com 8/1/11
For a little over a week Bradshaw and the Giants had been going back and forth in negotiations. Each side had their poker face on, with the Giants seemingly interested in going in another direction by having Jason Snelling come into the Meadowlands for a meeting and with Bradshaw reportedly getting interest from the Giants division rival Washington Redskins. Just yesterday, reports surfaced claiming that the Giants and Bradshaw were "not close" in negotiations, however today proved otherwise. This afternoon Ahmad Bradshaw and the New York Giants have ended their tug-o-war contest and have finally agreed to terms. Reportedly Ahmad Bradshaw has agreed to a 4 year deal with the Giants. This news coming right after Snelling had his meeting with the Giants. So were the Giants really interested in the 5'11" former Falcon, or was this just a move by Jerry Reese to put some pressure on Ahmad Bradshaw?
It seems that this was a move by the Giants to get a decision out of Ahmad Bradshaw... and it worked. But what if the Giants were sincerely interested in signing Snelling, not to replace or upgrade from Bradshaw, but to help Eli. Jason Snelling is not known in Atlanta for his running skills. However, what he is known for is his receiving abilities out of the backfield and his pass blocking. Snelling would give the Giants offense a blocking RB with great hands out of the backfield. He has the ability to not only play halfback but also fullback as well, and with the release of Madison Hedgecock, the Giants are in need of a new fullback with some experience (just ask Tony Romo how important it is to have a backfield that can pick up a blitzing Linebacker). I'ts obvious that the Giants have started moving to a passing offense, and Eli would be more comfortable in the pocket if he knew his RB could handle a linebacker if one got free. Also if need be, Snelling could be trusted with the ball as well.
Ahmad Bradshaw surprisingly carried the ball twice as many times as Snelling but fumbled six times as much than Snelling did. In 4 years in the NFL, Jason Snelling had only fumbled twice compared to Bradshaw's twelve. If the Giants offensive line stayed healthy (We can dream cant we?), then it wouldn't matter who carried the ball for Big Blue... Jacobs, Ware, and the rookie burner Da'relle Scott could handle the work load of running the ball.
With Bradshaw returning back to the team that drafted him, Jason Snelling will have to look elsewhere to call home. However, Giants fans... dont be alarmed if Snelling's name is brought up again. Should the Giants find some cap room Snelling would instantly help the passing game with a solid blocking back and solid hands coming out of the backfield. For now it looks like the Giants got the man they have wanted all along when Bradshaw agreed to a contract today. Now that the situation with Bradshaw has reached a resolve, Jerry Reese can move onto more pressing issues... like what to do with a defensive end that wants a pay increase even though he has a bad hip. Yeah, im looking at you Osi.
