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Andre Brown

Drafted in 2009, waived in 2010, practice squad member in 2011, and perhaps now a co-starter in 2013, Andre Brown has traveled quite the long road to success.

That road got a little bit more difficult to travel down after breaking his leg in Week 12, but Brown is back, and ready to finally capitalize on his chance.

After rushing for 385 yards and 8 touchdowns, Brown showed fans that he can execute Tom Coughlin’s ground and pound attack, and get those tough yards in the trenches.

With David Wilson leaving defenses in his dust, Brown can assume the Brandon Jacobs roll, picking up short yardage, and wearing defenses down.

But last season Brown proved he was capable of more than just a few yards every possession, breaking out against Carolina in Week 3 with a 113-yard, two-touchdown performance in a 36-7 win over Carolina.

Now, with Ahmad Bradshaw is out of town, the backfield responsibilities fall to Brown and Wilson. The Thunder and Lightning version 2.0 will face enormous pressure without anyone to fall back on. There’s no Plan B in New York, no insurance polices, and no crutch to use in times of need.

We don’t know what to expect out of either running back, but there’s a reason Brown rose up from the practice squad ranks and into the main arena. The 26-year old back has proved hard work pays off, filling in admirably when Ahmad Bradshaw was out.

But he knows there’s still much to accomplish.

Brown told the Post during minicamps,

“I still feel like I’ve got a lot to prove,  I just want to have a healthy season and then go out there and just be productive and help this team win games and championships. That’s what it’s all about.”

Despite being the Giants most tenured back, Brown has yet to play a full season since his career began. He’s only played in 13 games in four years, three with the Broncos in 2010 after being waived by the Giants. His lack of play should leave him exposed to immaturity, but you just don’t see that from Brown.

Coach Coughlin loves players who work hard and don’t talk, and Brown seems like the type of player who both runs and walks the straight and narrow. He hasn’t shown any issues with ball control, and has displayed some flashes of productivity in the passing game.

Brown gives the Giants a little bit of everything, and the areas he may come up short in, Wilson compliments him greatly. The Giants don’t have any headline backs in their backfield this season, but don’t be surprised if everyone knows who they are by season’s end.

Kyle McMorrow | Featured Colunist

@Kyle_McMorrow