Brian Daboll is setting a young NY Giants lineman up for failure this season
It's not often that we completely disagree with NY Giants head coach Brian Daboll and his coaching staff. In this case, however, what else do they need to see on film when it comes to offensive tackle Joshua Ezeudu? No. 75 is lining up at left tackle and there's absolutely no reason they need to keep that experiment going.
When Ezeudu was originally drafted out of North Carolina in 2022, it was to play as a guard. During his rookie season, he appeared in 10 games for the G-Men on the interior, with two starts. However, due to All-Pro LT Andrew Thomas suffering an injury in the season-opener last fall, Ezeudu was moved to the edge. It hasn't gone well ever since and in the preseason finale vs. the Jets, he was tough to watch.
Why why why is Joshua Ezeudu still playing LT. back to back sacks allowed
— GMEN HQ (@GMENHQ) August 25, 2024
The NY Giants need to stop wasting time and move Joshua Ezeudu back to guard
On one series alone, Ezeudu gave up multiple sacks to a Jets defensive lineman. Not only that, but he got beat pretty badly on the plays. In total, quarterback Tommy DeVito was sacked eight times against the Jets at MetLife Stadium. Eight! That's totally inexcusable and it was a reminder of what we consistently saw out of the guys up front throughout '23.
This also isn't the first time Ezeudu has struggled from his left tackle spot. Shortly after the preseason Week 1 win over the Lions, we wrote that Ezeudu should never be lined up at LT again. The staff is trying to make things work with him, but time and time again he proves that he has no business playing tackle.
Ezeudu is a way better option on the inside and the switch for him needs to happen as soon as possible. The hope is that maybe Evan Neal can become a reliable swing tackle for the Giants, as his starting right tackle spot is long gone - that now belongs to Jermaine Eluemunor.
Having said that, perhaps the Giants could make a reunion with Tyre Phillps happen? That way, more depth at tackle would be provided and then Ezeudu can go ahead and go back to being a guard for this team. That'd be our choice, but Daboll and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo seem to think it's not time to panic just yet. Well, we disagree. Ezeudu simply can't see any additional snaps at tackle. End this madness once and for all.
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