What is it about guys who leave the NY Giants and end up turning their careers around? We've seen it too many times, with the front office definitely regretting giving up on certain guys too soon. Such is the case with vetetran offensive lineman Jon Feliciano.
The Giants decided to let the guard leave during free agency, with him inking with the San Francisco 49ers. Since making the move to the NFC West, Feliciano has been an absolute monster in the trenches. So, what changed? We're going to have to go with his position coach not holding him back - yes, we're talking about Big Blue assistant Bobby Johnson.
Jon Feliciano this season on 164 pass-blocking opportunities & 338 total snaps:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) December 18, 2023
• 0 sacks given up
• 10 pressures allowed
• 1 quarterback hit
• 97.0 pass-blocking efficiency
• 87.7 run-blocking grade (PFF)
The #49ers signed Jon to a one-year deal worth $2.25M back in March… pic.twitter.com/BVsVTfVXCT
Joe Schoen has to regret not bringing back offensive lineman Jon Feliciano
Feliciano signed on a cheap one-year deal with the 49ers and he's been playing at a Pro Bowl level. He had his fair share of struggles last campaign with the Giants, opening the door for Joe Schoen letting him leave. Yeah, that was a massive mistake.
With Feliciano looking so great, it is a major bummer for the Giants, as the offensive line has once again been brutal in 2023. Against the Saints, the G-Men gave up seven sacks, with guard Justin Pugh having his worst game of the campaign.
It's no coincidence and that Feliciano started to ball out too as soon as he left East Rutherford. Countless people have been calling for offensive line coach Bobby Johnson to be canned, as the group up front somehow manages to look worse each week.
On the season, the Giants have allowed a head-turning 76 sacks. It doesn't matter if you have Lamar Jackson back there behind such a terrible line. Even the most mobile of quarterbacks need better protection. Feliciano escaped the mess in NY and he's now on a team that looks like they could compete for the Super Bowl.
There are a lot of things holding the Giants, 5-9 on the year, back. Johnson is most definitely on the list. Schoen and Brian Daboll simply must bring in a replacement for him this offseason.