What was Brian Daboll thinking leading up to kickoff? Yes, the NY Giants offensive line is banged up and there aren't a lot of bodies to fill in at key spots with guys injured. Starting left guard Ben Bredeson was forced to miss Week 3, but countless people assumed Mark Glowinski would step in.
Instead, Coach Dabes decided to rock with a player who had made two appearances in the previous two years. We're of course talking about Shane Lemieux. Giants fans couldn't believe the news that he was going to be starting going up against the 49ers unreal defense.
Lemieux was as bad as you might have imagined, as he was getting his lunch money taken away throughout the night. His PFF grade was a joke - and it showcases just how horrible his play was:
Shane Lemieux at left guard for the Giants finished with a 3.8 pass blocking grade last night vs the 49ers, according to @PFF.
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) September 22, 2023
Lemieux allowed 5 pressures, 4 hurries and 1 sack. pic.twitter.com/Yzov3tbME5
Shane Lemieux can never make another start again for the NY Giants
Yup, that's embarrassing. Lemieux wasn't the only offensive linemen to have a terrible showing, as the group as a whole couldn't do much of anything in protecting Daniel Jones. Evan Neal had another stinker, which is getting old at this point.
With Lemieux, though, this is a guy a bunch of people had forgotten about. A lot of folks were calling for him to be released this offseason, as injuries and poor play have been the main takeaways from his time with Big Blue. Daboll took a risk in starting him against the 49ers and it was the wrong call.
Everyone loves Daboll and rightfully so. He had the team moving in the right direction last year, but the 1-2 start has people feeling deflated. Offensive line coach Bobby Johnson may have suggested going with Lemieux at LG over Glowinski, but at the end of the day, it's Daboll's job to make the tough calls.
There was simply no reason for him to give Lemieux the nod for Week 3. Keep your fingers crossed Bredeson (concussion) will be good to go for Monday Night Football vs. Seattle. We won't want to see Lemieux anywhere close to the field for that showdown.