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The “Wayne Train” is not slowing down.
Giants running back Wayne Gallman has scored more rushing touchdowns in his last four games (five) than he has totaled in the first 42 games of his career (three). As the Giants prepare to face the worst running defense in the NFL on Sunday – the Bengals allow for 5.0 yards per carry – Gallman is one of the biggest keys to winning and keeping pace at the top of the NFC Is.
“You can see him gain confidence as he goes along, building on some of the positive things he’s done,” said offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. “Then when he’s had an adversity or a setback in one way or another, he tries to figure out what happened and learn from it. He seizes the opportunity. We are lucky to have it.
For four years with the Giants, 26-year-old Gallman got stuck behind Orleans Darkwa, Paul Perkins, Shane Vereen, Buck Allen, Devonta Freeman and Dion Lewis. Oh, and Saquon Barkley.
Gallman was inactive when Barkley suffered an ACL tear in week 2 and only became the feature film after Freeman signed, started four games and injured his ankle. Gallman’s workload increased in four straight games and he finished with 18 carries for 53 yards and two touchdowns against the Eagles in Week 10.
The Bengals play aggressive man-to-man media coverage, so the Giants need to establish the race threat – especially with future Hall of Famer Geno Atkins playing less than 20 shots per game today in the middle of the line for Cincinnati.
A change in play call by Garrett helped Gallman succeed in the run between tackles.
“We tried the outside zone with Saquon because he gets there, and a cut and he’s on the pitch,” center Nick Gates said. “But with him getting injured, we tried to stick the ball in there and be on doubles teams and get the guys out of there.”
The Older Giants have been refreshed by two changes that go hand in hand: meaningful games in November for the first time since 2016 and the opportunity for Gallman, who has not shied away when his opportunities have dwindled over the years. past.
“Wayne and I had a conversation every time it was his week to be the starter and I said straight away, ‘This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Go get him, ”said wide receiver Sterling Shepard. “I’ve always trusted Wayne since they beat us in college so I’ve seen him run the ball for years now and I couldn’t wait for him to have this opportunity.
Gallman ran for 205 yards and two combined touchdowns for Clemson in two bowl game wins over Shepard and Oklahoma. He earned the nickname “Wayne Train” in college for crossing a goal line safety.
This appears to be the setup for a vintage performance.
“Wayne is basically a young player,” Garrett said. “With the guys he played behind here, he hasn’t played a lot of football at this level. That’s exactly what I’m talking about in terms of a player doing it the right way. He wants to be great for our team. “
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