The New York Giants are heading into an extremely important game against the Washington Commanders in Week 13.
With Big Blue losing their last two games against Detroit and Dallas, emerging victorious against Washington is essential. Currently hosting a 7–4 record in the NFC East, they are just one loss above Washington, who have won three consecutive games against the Eagles, Texas, and Falcons.
Part of the Giants’ struggles lately have been a spotty offensive line and lackluster weapons. Providing quarterback Daniel Jones with time in the pocket and running back Saquon Barkley with lanes to exploit, the offense may be able to spark a bit of efficiency moving forward. However, that is completely reliant on the status of the offensive line.
Luckily, the Giants are expected to get a few players back from injury, which should help tremendously.
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Projecting the New York Giants starting OL against Washington:
LT: Andrew Thomas
Star tackle Andrew Thomas was dealing with an illness last week against the Dallas Cowboys, in which he gave up his first sack of the season. Luckily, it seems as if Thomas is doing better and it should be far more effective against Washington.
LG: Nick Gates
After a triumphant return, the Gates started at center against Dallas, giving up just one pressure across 64 snaps. At this point, Gates seems primed to reclaim his starting job, but the team may need him at left guard if Ben Bredeson isn’t available to play. Bredeson is coming off of a knee injury and was recently reinstated to practice, but he may need a few days to reacclimate himself before making his first appearance since Week 7 against Jacksonville.
C: Jon Feliciano
Ideally, Bredeson would start at left guard and Gates would transition to center full-time, but the team might need Jon Feliciano for one more week coming off an injury of his own.
Feliciano has given up two sacks and 18 pressures this season over 656 snaps. He’s been serviceable considering this is the first year he’s ever played center full-time, but having him as a reserve that can play multiple positions is not a bad strategy.
RG: Mark Glowinski
Free agent signing Mark Glowinski has had an up-and-down 2022 season, struggling against Dallas. He gave up three pressures over 64 snaps at right guard, and while he’s had some good games this year, the return of Evan Neal should help provide some more consistency on the right side of the line.
RT: Evan Neal
The expectation is that rookie tackle Evan Neal will be active against Washington in Week 13. The 22-year-old gave up four sacks over his first three games as a professional but he’s only given up one sack over his last four games, showcasing some solid growth. He started to get his stride against Baltimore in Week 6 but sustained an MCL sprain against Jacksonville in Week 7.
The most important thing for Neal is his development, and getting him back on the football field will expedite the process.