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Offensive Line Troubles: Analyzing Giants in the Trenches

By Joseph Estrict

Sep 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Ereck Flowers (76) without his helmet in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Ereck Flowers (76) without his helmet in the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Dallas won 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite returning all five starters from last season, the New York Giants still have their work cut out for them on the offensive line. While moving Justin Pugh from right tackle to left guard has proven fruitful, and Weston Richburg has blossomed into a top center in the league, the jury is still out at the other three line positions.

Offensive Line Starters

Second-year left tackle Ereck Flowers played well in spots last season but has much to prove in 2016. During his rookie year, Flowers allowed the most quarterback pressures in the NFL with 69.

Right tackle could also be an area of concern for Big Blue. Incumbent lineman Marshall Newhouse graded 34.6 which was 68th out of 77 graded tackles according to Pro Football Focus. Flowers graded even lower at just 28.5. John Jerry was a spot starter for the Giants last year, but he looks to have locked down the right guard position for the upcoming season.

Jerry worked extensively though the spring to sharpen his technique.Teammate Justin Pugh had nothing but words of praise for Newhouse and Jerry during OTAs. Pugh told reporters “I know what those guys bring to the table. They are vets, they know how to play this game, they know how to win and they have both won in the NFL. So I am excited for them to go out there, and prove to everyone how good they are.” In total, the Giants’ offensive line graded out as the 20th best unit in the NFL.

Aug 12, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive back Chris Culliver (29) New York Giants center Shane McDermott (64) and New York Giants offensive tackle Ereck Flowers (74) after the game at MetLife Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the New York Giants 27-10. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive back Chris Culliver (29) New York Giants center Shane McDermott (64) and New York Giants offensive tackle Ereck Flowers (74) after the game at MetLife Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the New York Giants 27-10. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line Reserves 

The team did very little to address the lack of offensive line depth this off season despite flirtation with recently retired tackle Eugene Monroe. In fact, the Giants did not draft a single offensive lineman this year for the first time since 2008. The second string line of Byron Stingily, Ryan Seymour, Brett Jones, Adam Gettis,and Bobby Hart struggled mightily against the Dolphins in week one of the preseason. Gettis particularly looked over matched.

Both Gettis and Brett Jones have been downgraded on the depth chart. Shane McDermott will now serve as the second center and Emmett Cleary as the second guard against the Bills in week two of the preseason. The battle for the reserve line spots will be an important one with the first roster cut down occurring in just two weeks.

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