Paul Perkins has made his case that he should be starter
LANDOVER, Md. — The changing of the guard at running back means a babe shall lead them.
Rookie Paul Perkins, 21 carries for 102 yards, gashed the Redskins after earning his first start of the season Sunday in place of Rashad Jennings (18 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD) as the Giants turned into the heavy-handed team coach Ben McAdoo has desired.
“I didn’t even know I had 100 yards until someone [Kelvin Sheppard] told me,” Perkins said.
He thought he could have gained some additional yards.
“I hold myself to high expectations,” Perkins said. “I strive for more.”
A 2007 rookie running back named Ahmad Bradshaw erupted in the Giants’ 2007 playoff run (48 carries, 208 yards, 1 TD, and four catches for 27 yards).
“I know of him,” Perkins said. “Hopefully it’s the same thing for us.”
Perkins (91 carries, 354 yards this season) knew in the middle of the week he would start.
“Nothing changed … just nerves,” Perkins said and laughed. “Having that moment coming out first, and the defense is ready, licking their chops, and the crowd is hyped.”
The last time he was that nervous?
“Probably in high school,” Perkins said.
How nervous might he be for his first playoff start?
“Hopefully I’m better,” Perkins said. “The environment can be crazy wherever we go, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Asked what he liked best about his running, Perkins said: “Probably yards after contact. Being able to move the pile. Ball control.”