Life isn't exactly glamorous for offensive linemen... now think about how sexy it is being their coach. For years, the New York Giants have thrown out a hodgepodge of offensive linemen on the field in the hopes that it’ll resemble something coherent. It’s been five individuals playing on five different schedules, usually resulting in an unwatchable offense. But the times, they are a-changin’.
Offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo is finally able to flex his coaching muscles in Year 2, following a disappointing first year at the helm. Injuries completely decimated the line — through no fault of his own — getting in the way of any sort of much-needed consistency. But things are starting to settle, and it’s looking like the line might not be the patchwork ragtag group of guys fans were made to believe.
Much of the talk around the Giants has been about the rookies, specifically quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo. But where would they be without an adequate front? Bricillo has taken a historically inconsistent unit and is turning it into one of the more reliable groups in football. And he deserves his flowers.
Carmen Bricillo has Giants’ offensive line playing consistently at the perfect time
They’re by no means the most feared line, but the individual improvements suggest something bigger is happening here.
Star left tackle Andrew Thomas hasn’t skipped a beat since returning from the Lisfranc injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. The 26-year-old has played in four games, earning a stellar 83.0 overall Pro Football Focus grade across 246 snaps. That ranks fourth among 76 qualified tackles.
Aside from Thomas, it’s third-year center John Michael Schmitz’s recent turnaround that’s suddenly something worth paying attention to. Unfortunately for the former Minnesota standout, he suffered a concussion in Big Blue’s 34-17 Week 6 drubbing of the Philadelphia Eagles. But before that, he’d been on quite the heater.
Schmitz hadn’t allowed a single quarterback pressure since Week 4. Furthermore, he hasn’t allowed a single sack to date, surrendering only seven pressures. It’s clear he’s finally starting to find his footing. About time. It’s been a position of need for years, so it’s nice to see there’s at least some light at the end of the tunnel.
As for the rest of the line, veterans Jon Runyan, Greg Van Roten, and Jermaine Eluemunor have seen better days, but the continuity will only help them get better.
Some players are beyond saving... fans know who they are. But maybe a change of scenery could help them unlock their 6-foot-7, 340-pound-sized potential.
All of this is to say, Bricillo is doing a pretty darn good job of piecing this puzzle together. The 49-year-old is a pusher of communication and cooperation. Those are imperative if the offensive line is going to handle different defensive looks, blitzes, and packages.
The clearest sign that something good is forming here came after Schmitz got knocked out of the game. Veteran journeyman Austin Schlottman stepped up in a big way, finishing the day with a 69.5 overall PFF grade and an impressive 80.5 pass-blocking grade. So, whatever the coach is putting in the water, Big Blue can’t get enough of it.
Make no mistake about it, this line is still very far away from being elite. However, with a gassed-up Denver Broncos defense up next, having a synergized offensive line playing well at the right time in front of their rookie quarterback is about as good as it can get right now. Here’s to Carmen.