New York Giants: 10 Pressing Mid-Season Questions

Nov 10, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants tackle Will Beatty (65) defends as quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defeated the Raiders 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

9. Is Will Beatty Going To Strengthen The Offensive Line?

The answer to this should be a straightforward yes, but I’m going to swing this a different way. Even if it takes Beatty a game or two to get his feet under him, I generally expect good things—he’s proven to be a pretty solid left tackle outside of a down 2013. But my concern: moving Ereck Flowers from left to right tackle.

You’re asking a rookie to learn a new position midway through the season as he’s in the midst of trying to develop his game at another position. This isn’t like in 2007 when the Giants kicked David Diehl to the outside and he became a Pro Bowl left tackle. Flowers is still starting to learn techniques that the team knew he hadn’t fully developed in college. Marshall Newhouse certainly hasn’t been a dominant force on the right side, but I’m hard pressed to say Flowers would be much of an upgrade.

Beatty may step in and secure the left side of the offensive line, but the unit could crumble if Flowers shifts over and that transition doesn’t go as smoothly as some hope it would.

Next: Can The Giants Handle The Second Half Schedule?