New York Giants: Nate Solder Claims Giants Must Be Able To Pass

New York Giants, Nate Solder
Aug 9, 2018; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks in front of quarterback Eli Manning (10) during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL is definitely a passing league but it looks like the New York Giants are set up to be a running team this year, with their best asset being running back Saquon Barkley and several moves being made this offseason to improve the offensive line and give Barkley better blocking. Mike Remmers and Kevin Zeitler join the mix in the offensive line discussion with the latter being known already as one of the better guards in the entire league.

Meanwhile, the passing attack has a group of receivers who haven’t been tested as a unit yet that may surprise everyone but could just as easily fail to replace the production lost when the Giants moved Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns. According to left tackle Nate Solder, who spoke to NJ Advance Media, the team has to pass the ball this season. Even if they are built like a running team.

“I think we have the capability of doing that (dominating on the ground) and we certainly have the potential. But, in this league, you certainly have to be able to pass the ball. It’s the way it’s designed, the way that it is,” Solder said when asked about the Giants’ chances of winning as a run reliant team. “The better we can protect and keep Eli healthy and making great decisions is going to contribute hugely to our success.”

Manning himself claims to be confident in the offensive line and believes that it’s improved. “I think they made strides as the season went along last year. I have great confidence that they are going to do their job, protect people and get the ball out. I’ll be able to make my reads and progressions.”

With the Giants losing a few close games last season while having one of the worst offensive lines in the league, a competent line might just be a main factor in getting a number of more wins this season. It’s much easier, after all, to take the lead in a close game when opposing pass rushers don’t have a free run at the quarterback.

Training camp is coming later this month, and soon, we’ll get our first look at just how improved this offensive line is with pads on.