The New York Giants are taking numerous measures to rectify their offensive line’s instability, which was a striking issue in the previous season. Last year, the team saw different guards start in seven consecutive games, with ten unique line combos in 17 games.
New Coaching, Same Challenges
Their offensive line coach from 2023, Brian Daboll, grappled with constant change, resulting from various factors including personnel mishaps, uncontrolled training camp rotations, unsatisfactory performances, and injuries. Despite the new offensive line coach, Carmen Bricillo, having a preference for flexibility, the move towards stability has been encouraging, particularly the consistent use of veteran guards Jermaine Eluemunor and Jon Runyan Jr. in training. These veteran players occupy the left and right guard positions, coupled with center John Michael Schmitz, together forming a reliable middle for the Giants’ offensive action.
Bricillo’s Approach to addressing Stability
Echoing the need for stability, Schmitz opined, “There’s always going to be competition, though. But at the end of the day, you need more reps together just so you know how to play with one another.” Indeed, creating early chemistry is not only advantageous but obligatory, as the Giants cannot afford to make mid-season adjustments as in the past seasons.
Repeating last year’s tactic of trading for guard Ben Bredeson and center Billy Price at the camp’s end to resolve the faulty positions, or relying on inexperienced draft picks to fill gaps cannot be the modus operandi. Instead, Bricillo hinted on ensuring that they have an undeniable top-tier unit in training before making any changes.
Evan Neal: The Long Game?
Moreover, there’s a plan in place regarding Evan Neal. This first-round selectee of the former GM, Joe Schoen, is still returning from a left ankle surgery and hasn’t participated in 11-on-11 drills. Despite this, he remains a strong candidate for the squad’s right tackle. That Neil success doesn’t necessarily hang on him securing this position; Jermaine Eluemunor is an insurance policy here, demonstrating the ability to switch to the right tackle if needed.
Strategies for Better Performance
Given the Giants’ tumultuous history, last season’s poor showing in both pass blocking and run blocking was unsurprising, ranking them last and second last out of 32 teams respectively in Pro Football Focus’s metrics. The 2023 season led to an unprecedented 85 sacks, attributable primarily to Tommy DeVito, an undrafted QB. This shows how indispensable it is to ensure the team is thoroughly prepared for the season-opening battle against the Minnesota Vikings.
Looking towards Future
With this rough past, the Giants are looking to cultivate positive changes to their offense: Coach Joel Thomas has been educating the running backs on perfectly timing outside zone runs, emphasizing the potential benefits that a dual-threat back like Tyrone Tracy can offer. And fourth-round pick Theo Johnson’s professional attitude has not gone unnoticed, promising a brighter future for the team.
The pressure is on to prove their worth with various stratagems coming into play, particularly in strengthening the offensive line. As the team gears up for a new season, it is hopeful to see the offensive line consistency emerging in early practice sessions.