Despite Run-Centric Moves, Giants Likely Stay True to League Trends with Passing Focus
Sixty-six years as a Giants fan may teach me not to predict anything about the team's prospects, but this season with John Harbaugh at the helm brings enough data to be hopeful or wary. According to Yahoo Sports - NFL reporting, the focus on running back Patrick Ricard and Greg Roman hiring might hint at a run-first strategy for the upcoming season. However, league-wide statistics from 2025 show passing dominance across all teams.
The NFL has transformed into a pass-first league driven by offensive rules changes and spread offenses introduced in the early 2000s. In 2025, the Giants under pass-happy Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka were right in the middle of the pack in terms of passing vs. rushing, with 3474 yards passing compared to only 2195 yards rushing.
John Harbaugh’s Ravens, known for their balanced approach, show a different pattern under his coaching tenure. The 2025 Ravens had an exceptional pass-rush balance and were closer to the 1:1 line than any other NFL team. Harbaugh's first season as head coach with rookie Joe Flacco saw a good pass-run balance.
What Will John Harbaugh Do with the Giants?
A look at his Baltimore Ravens tenure shows a clear trend towards passing dominance after Flacco’s growth and the arrival of Lamar Jackson. Jackson, though prolific as a runner, became more confident in his role as a passer over time. The New York Giants have had similar trends, but it's unclear if Harbaugh will significantly change this.
Will the Giants Run More or Pass More?
The data from each of John Harbaugh’s seasons with the Ravens paints an uncertain picture. While Jaxson Dart needs to develop further as a passer and the Giants' offensive line must provide more run support, these factors are likely less decisive than maintaining the team's place in a pass-first league.