Whether he intended to point the finger at anyone specific or not, Shaun O’hara has a message for backup offensive linemen Will Beatty and Kevin Booth:
"“I think hands down, our starting five from last year is our best offensive linemen going into the season. I think it is up to somebody else to prove us wrong.”"
Indeed – David Diehl, Rich Seubert, Shaun O’hara, Chris Snee, and Kareem McKenzie were once recognized by many as the best offensive line in the business. Most recent claims to fame — in the 2007 season they supported Eli Manning in the pocket long enough to become Superbowl MVP, and in 2008 the line opened up gaping holes to support the league best rushing attack ‘Earth, Wind, and Fire’. The offensive line in part helped the Giants capture the NFC regular season title which solidified the emergence of the Giants as a significant football team built on powerful fundamentals, and a return to winning via their smashmouth style. The legacy of those two years continues to live on in the hearts and minds of Giants fans everywhere today.
But in the wake of a disappointing 2009 season that saw that smashmouth team collapse under the burden of injury, sub par execution in the running game, and luckluster performances from Giants team leaders, people are wondering whether that once heralded offensive line is decaying. O’hara remains optimistic, however.
"“This offseason we were all able to get healthy. We are going to have our starting five on opening day and, as long we are healthy, I think we are going to return to the form we were in a couple of years ago, taking over games.”“You hear people talk about it from both sides of their mouth because they say what makes a good offensive line is the continuity and being together for so long. And then in the same sentence they say, ‘well these guys are getting up there in age.’ Really in truth, the New York Jets offensive line was older than us last year. I don’t really think any of us believe that anybody is aging ungracefully.”"
Will Beatty, who started 3 games in place of injured Kareem McKenzie at right tackle last season is rumored to be in competition with David Diehl for the starting left tackle position. Beatty impressed in certain situations in left tackle at Tampa Bay, Dallas, and when the Giants hosted Atlanta… and heading into training camp his presence can’t help but threaten the continuity of the Giants tried and true starting 5. Some believe the 6-6 Beatty will make the transition to starting left tackle this season to inject some youth into the mix, which probably moves David Diehl over to left guard. Diehl flat out disagrees.
"“I’ve always been a team player and a team guy but saying that, I think I am the best left tackle on our team. I’ve shown that. I started every game since I have been here, I played in the Pro Bowl last year and I am going in there as I am the starting left tackle and until somebody tells me otherwise, that is my position.”"
Even though Diehl was selected for the Pro Bowl last year and impressively played every snap for the NFC, his production with the Giants during the regular season was a bit of a disappointment. The Giants seemed to be unable to run left all year long, whereas running right was a strength. The difference was dramatic between opposite ends of the line. Chris Snee had an outstanding year, and right tackle was solid right up until McKenzie left with injury. But Will Beatty isn’t the only threat, Kevin Booth filled in decently at left guard for Rich Seubert who went down late in the season with an injury. And while both Beatty and Booth were inconsistent, they were good enough at times to be competitive. While continuity on the offensive line is key, the writing is on the wall for the Giants starting offensive line — either compete and produce for your spot or you’ll be replaced. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride makes that perfectly clear:
"“It is the best five guys playing. So it is not that Will would beat out David at left tackle, it is can Will play well enough at left tackle that you would move David in? But he is really beating out Rich Seubert. He has played real well. But you are beating out a guy that may be the heart and soul of your offensive group. Richie kind of embodies everything that you want in an offensive lineman. And he is going to give him hell.”"
It’s a touchy situation heading into camp – but one thing is clear. No matter what, the Giants offensive line will not be a weakness in 2010.
"“Our unit takes everything personal,” O’Hara said. “I can sit here right now and say the best five offensive linemen we have on our team are starting and there’s no two ways about it. We definitely have some younger guys that are talented that are going to take these opportunities to get some reps. They just need some reps, that really is what it is. Guys on our team want to play, they don’t want to watch. It is all about being earned.”"
[quotes via ESPN]