While the New York Giants had several positive things to take away from week one of the preseason, left tackle Nate Solder was more than harsh on his own performance, and believed that as a whole, the team could have played at a higher level.
Coming from the New England Patriots and an infamous Bill Belichick system, Solder expects only quality from himself and those around him. Rookie running back Saquon Barkley was the only player that really stood out against the Browns, but lesser names like Will Hernandez also had a solid outing.
How did Nate Solder and the offensive line look for the New York Giants?
The offensive line seemed to hold up against a top-tier defensive front from Cleveland. The right side was the Giants’ biggest worry going into the game, and they subsequently helped orchestrate the 39 yard run on Barkley’s first run of the day. Despite the limited success, Solder was not pleased with the way he progressed throughout the game:
“You always have to have the mindset of needing to improve, I wasn’t happy with the way I kind of slowly oozed into that game. I thought that you have to come out firing, ready to go first snap,†Solder told reporters several days after the game. “I wasn’t happy with my preparation. I think I need to do better preparing for the game coming up. I think that with every year, you have to get yourself in the mindset of playing four quarters. Your condition, your footwork, your fundamentals, all those things need to continue to ratchet up as the [season] comes closer.â€
The Giants didn’t enter last Thursday’s game with a game-plan, but rather with the priority of seeing who would step up and rise to the occasion. It was more about assessing natural, instinctive ability rather than following a blue-print. Against the Detroit Lions head coach Pat Shurmur stated he will formulate a legitimate plan, allowing for his team to follow his orders and establish themselves in a different manner.