Undisciplined NY Giants’ epic collapse hands Washington 30-29 win: Takeaways

Nick Gates’ injury catastrophic

Nick Gates is one of the more well-liked players in the NY Giants’ locker room, was voted a captain for the first time this season, and his gruesome leg injury suffered Thursday night is a catastrophe on many levels.

If there were any doubt about how highly regarded Gates is by his teammates, that should be put to rest by how many quickly gathered around the cart as he was driven off the field after going down with a fractured leg that was so severe that the television broadcast decided not to replay it.

In addition to the implications for Gates and his future, and the daunting rehab he now undoubtedly faces, the NY Giants’ offensive line play struggled mightily following his departure.

For much of the first quarter, with Gates moving to guard for Thursday night’s game — from center, the NY Giants were holding up nicely against Washington’s talented and swarming front-seven. With Gates alongside him, center Billy Price threw several solid blocks.

However, the line’s play diminished significantly and Jones was forced to withstand a barrage of pressure once Gates was knocked from the game.

Already a four-year work in progress, losing Gates and his versatility could prove difficult to overcome for an NY Giants offensive line that has been significantly overmatched the past two games and for the better part of the Dave Gettleman era — if not longer.

Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com.