Giants running backs embracing opportunity to show ourselves in John Harbaughs system

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va.— If he really wants to set the mood for practice, the disc jockey stationed at the entrance to Giants training camp should consider adding 2008’s Billboard Hot 100 hit “Check Yes, Juliet” to the playlist.“Run baby run / Don’t ever look back / They’ll tear us apart / If you give them the chance.”  Get texts from Paul Schwartz with all the latest Giants news and insights, exclusive to Sports+ subscribers.

Let the song’s chorus serve as a reminder that an offense under head coach John Harbaugh is usually driven by the physicality and production of its blockers and rushers, so predictably the run game was a focus Monday as players donned pads for the first time on a rain-soaked field.“We don’t see it as a lot of weight on our shoulders, we see it as opportunity,” said Tyrone Tracy Jr., who is coming off back-to-back seasons with more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage.“Opportunity to show ourselves, opportunity to really show the NFL who we are and what we can be.I think we can be a premier running back group.”Cam Skattebo had one of the few long runs for the Giants on a day when Harbaugh estimated that “the defense probably got the better of the offense up front,” especially with rookie linebacker Arvell Reese closing holes. That’s a good sign for a defense accustomed to finishing near the bottom of the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game — four straight years ranked No.

26 or worse — but not the start envisioned by an offense with four returning starters on the line and a new 300-pound Pro Bowl fullback (Patrick Ricard) to lead the way for five returning running backs.At least the top three of Tracy, Skattebo and Singletary, as well as Ricard, seemed to welcome contact and held the ball tight as arms reached in for the strip.“With the type of offense we’re going to run this year, that’s going to be a huge quality that will help us in the long run,” right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said.�...