The New York Giants’ offensive line struggled in 2019, Nate Solder was a big part of it. As of right now, it’s still a mystery if Nate Solder will start this year. The New York Giants made some reinforcements to the offensive line this offseason, the new additions could push Solder out of the starting lineup.
In 2019, Nate Solder allowed 11 sacks, the third-most in the NFL. To go along with the sacks, Solder allowed 57 pressures and was responsible for five penalties. It seemed like every game Daniel Jones was getting sacked, sometimes it was hard to watch as a fan. He would get such a late jump on snaps, defenders would blow by him with ease. Also, Nate Solder was responsible for protecting the Jones’ blindside. There needs to be a change, the Giants can’t trust him at left tackle anymore. I think Solder can make the change to right tackle, there will be less pressure of him there and he won’t have to worry about going up against the best defenders anymore.
This is just a horrible attempt at blocking by Giants LT Nate Solder pic.twitter.com/VvtbS8uIMl
— Kevin Boilard (@KevinBoilard) December 10, 2019
If played right, I think Nate Solder will have a big year in 2020. I’m not saying he will be a pro-bowl offensive tackle, but he will make solid improvement and help the Giants’ offensive line grow.
New offensive line coach
Marc Colombo, a former standout NFL lineman, is in his first season as the New York Giants’ offensive line coach. I think this is a blessing in disguise for the offensive line. Not only has he played the position, but he was also with the Dallas Cowboys for five seasons. All Giants’ fans know how good their offensive line has been, its a dream of mine for the Giants to get an offensive line like Dallas. I think Colombo will be a motivator for Nate Solder and a great mentor. With Colombo in charge, he will breakdown Solder’s game and find out what’s wrong. He will also run a scheme that fits the offensive line best, Joe Judge wants to make a system that fits all players skill set.
Making a move to right tackle
In 2020, I think Nate Solder should make the move to right tackle. The Giants can’t trust him with protecting Jones’ blindside. Also, the Giants just drafted his replacement, Andrew Thomas. It’s best if Thomas starts week one at left tackle, there is no reason for the Giants to start him at right tackle then move him back to left. Moving Nate Solder to the right tackle will take a lot of pressure off his shoulders. At the end of the day, Nate Solder is a reliable offensive lineman who can still play ball. In 2019, he played all 16 games and 95% of offensive snaps.
Improvement of the Offensive line
The biggest key to success for Nate Solder in 2020 will be the pieces around him. With the addition of Andrew Thomas, the offensive line looks good. Will Hernandez and Kevin Zeitler will be solid guards for the next two to three years, I can see a combination of Solder at right tackle and Zeitler at guard. Those two will work well together, both of them have years of experience in the NFL. As a unit, these big boys can cause some damage. If the offensive line underperforms, Nate Solder will do the same. Hopefully, with Colombo in charge, he will make improvements to the line that best fits every player.