Jan 1, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal (73) pass protects against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
What was once a primary weakness for the New York Giants, the offensive line, has turned a new leaf and become a reason for the team’s success. In the Giants’ playoff-clinching win over the Colts in Week 17, the offensive line turned in a dominant performance. Andrew Thomas was stellar as usual, and, finally, his high level of play was matched by the rest of the men along the front line.
The New York Giants clinched a spot in the postseason after a dominating 38-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. Quarterback Daniel Jones turned in one of the best performances of his career to propel Big Blue to victory. But Jones’s success would have been impossible without his offensive line. Jones was kept clean in the pocket all day long as the offensive line provided him with enough time to survey the field and deliver the ball with accuracy.
As always, left tackle Andrew Thomas was elite. For the fifth time this season, Andrew Thomas allowed zero pressures in Week 17 (PFF). He was also dominant as a run-blocker, flipping a few pancakes like an IHOP chef to spring some big runs for Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.
With the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected right tackle, Evan Neal. Neal has struggled throughout his rookie season, but in Sunday’s matchup with the Colts, he looked the part of a first-round draft pick. According to PFF, Neal surrendered just one pressure in Week 17. The rookie has seen massive improvements in his game in recent weeks, just in time for the postseason.
The Giants’ two offensive tackles were excellent against the Colts, but the interior offensive line also performed well. The interior has struggled immensely this season but seems to finally be turning things around. Big Blue gained over 200 yards on the ground for the fourth time this season. Right guard Mark Glowinski was instrumental in the Giants’ success rushing the football against the Colts.
As a unit, the Giants’ offensive line did not surrender a single sack in Week 17. This is the second time in three weeks that Daniel Jones has not been sacked (also the second time all season). It has been rare for Daniel Jones to experience the amount of time in the pocket that he had in Week 17. But the pass protection directly correlated to a successful outing from Jones and the offense. If the New York Giants’ offensive line can keep it rolling into the postseason, Big Blue has a chance to make some noise.
This post was published on 2023-01-02 11:45
