The New York Giants’ offensive line made massive strides in the team’s Week 7 win over the Washington Commanders. The unit has consistently been ranked dead-last in the NFL this season as QBs Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor have been under constant pressure.
But in Week 7, the offensive line turned in its best performance of the season, demonstrating progress and hope that things can still turn around this season.
Giants earn improving marks by PFF
Pro Football Focus has frequently ranked the Giants’ offensive line dead last in the NFL this season. Entering Week 7, that ranking held strong. But entering Week 8, there is a chance that the unit sees an uptick in its rankings following a solid performance in their second win of the season.
PFF charted the Giants’ offensive linemen with a minimal number of surrendered pressures in Week 7:
- Pugh: 4 pressures, 2 sacks,
- McKethan: 2 pressures
- Bredeson: 0 pressures
- Glowinski: 0 pressures
- Phillips: 1 pressure
The Giants’ offensive line ranked seventh in the NFL this week in pass-blocking-efficiency per PFF with an 87.5 overall efficiency score. This is a much higher mark than their season average of 77.0, ranking 31st in the NFL.
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Ben Bredeson notices his unit take a big step forward
Among the more reliable performers on the offensive line is Ben Bredeson. Throughout the season, Bredeson has been given difficult assignments, moving from one position to the next on the offensive line. But the 25-year-old is feeling confident after the Week 7 win and feels as though the offensive line took a “great step forward” in the contest.
“I think we took a great step forward in the past week. When we don’t have a whole lot of time to jell together — like a full training camp or OTAs — we have to over-communicate.”
Ben Bredeson via the New York Post
New acquisitions bringing life to the offensive line
RT Tyre Phillips turned in an admirable performance versus the Commanders. Having just signed with Big Blue earlier this week, Phillips was immediately thrust into the starting lineup, yet looked like an upgrade at the right tackle position. If Phillips continues to play well, he could force the Giants to make a big change at right tackle.
LT Justin Pugh struggled in this game, but brought some stability to the offensive line that was much-needed. New York has had a revolving door at left tackles since All-Pro Andrew Thomas was sidelined with a hamstring injury following the first game of the season. Pugh is giving the Giants a stable, veteran presence on the left side of the line.
Phillips and Pugh are filling in for injured players but may have earned a role on the offensive line even when the Giants get their reinforcements back from injury. In the coming weeks, offensive linemen will return from injuries, giving Big Blue a new and improved unit mid-season.
