Giants Training Camp: Five Players They Can’t Afford To Lose
By Eric Mollo
Oct 19, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer (93) rushes against New York Giants tackle Justin Pugh (67) in the game at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat New York 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2014; Canton, OH, USA; New York Giants left guard Geoff Schwartz (74) during the 2014 Hall of Fame game against the Buffalo Bills at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
5. Justin Pugh/Geoff Schwartz – Offensive Guard
It’s a tie between two guards. I wanted to put Shane Vereen here, because should they lose him the run game loses a very important passing dimension. But before the Giants can send their backs out to pass, they need to run with them first, and the only way they can have an effective run game is with their interior line playing at a high level.
With questions at the tackle position, the Giants will really need to be able to open up holes on the inside. Pugh and Schwartz are natural fits at guard and very capable of doing that. They just need to stay healthy. This is an offense that’s going to try to balance run and pass, but they’ll never be able to set up their strong passing attack without an established run game. Pugh and Schwartz will be the two to establish that.
And we know we’re playing a wait-and-see game with Ereck Flowers and Marshall Newhouse–how much pass protection can they give Eli on the outside? If the defensive ends are going to try to bring the most pressure, the Giants need to make sure they’re guarding the interior linemen too.
Pugh and Schwartz have a lot of responsibility anchoring a thin and inexperienced line. They’re two guys the Giants don’t want to see on the sidelines.