Orleans Darkwa fortifies Giants' backfield depth
Orleans Darkwa of the New York Giants runs the ball in the second quarter en route to a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015. Credit: Jim McIsaac
The Giants' backfield got a little more crowded with the emergence of Orleans Darkwa on Sunday. The fourth-stringer had an impressive 15-yard TD run and wound up with 48 yards on eight carries in his first game action as a running back this season.
Tom Coughlin sees that as a good thing and expects to use all of his assets.
"I think right now it depends on the plan and the type of game we expect and how we strategize and plan on using them," he said. "But four healthy guys? That's a great thing, believe me."
Coughlin also noted the special-teams contributions of the four backs -- Darkwa, Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen and Andre Williams.
"We have a number of guys who have game experience, some of which have different roles," Coughlin said. "They'll continue in those roles and they'll continue to help us on special teams."
Moore ready for more?
Coughlin maintained that the benching of Damontre Moore will remain between him and the player, as he said Sunday. But he left the door open for Moore to return this week after being inactive after his Oct. 19 penalty against the Eagles. With Owa Odighizuwa suffering a hamstring injury Sunday, he might not have a choice.
"Damontre Moore is a skilled athlete," Coughlin said. "We'll look at the plan and see exactly where we stand and if we can include him, then we will."
Giant steps
Odell Beckham Jr. will play his first NFL game in his home city of New Orleans on Sunday. "Being able to go back home will be a fun experience," he said . . . Coughlin said the Giants' tackling at times against the Cowboys' running game was "shoddy."
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
