The New York Giants offensive line has been a weakness for the better part of the last decade. However, one of the team’s best players plays on that poor offensive line. Star left tackle Andrew Thomas earned a $117 million contract last offseason after establishing himself as one of the blindside protectors in the league.
However, in 2023., things did not go as planned for Thomas. He suffered a hamstring injury in the first week of the season that kept him sidelined for the next seven weeks. He started just 10 games last year for the Giants — and his absence was absolutely felt.
This season, the Giants need Thomas to stay healthy if they want to turn things around and find more success on offense.
Andrew Thomas has struggled with injuries throughout his career
The 2023 season was not the first time that Thomas struggled with injuries. He played through an ankle injury during his rookie season that severely hampered his performance on the field. In year two, Thomas improved his place significantly but was still bothered by the ankle.
In the 2022 offseason, following a career year, Thomas underwent ankle surgery that he hoped would remedy the issue that had plugged him through the first two seasons of his career. His ankle didn’t seem to bother him last season, but the injury bug bit him once again when he pulled his hamstring in Week 1.
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The Giants need Thomas fully healthy in 2024
Things went from bad to worse for the Giants’ offensive line last season and Thomas’ absence had a lot to do with that. The Giants finished the year surrendering 85 total sacks — the most allowed by a team since 1997.
With Thomas out of the lineup, a revolving door began to spin at left tackle. Youngster Joshua Ezeudu spent some time there before veteran Justin Pugh took over after being signed off his couch. The Giants’ quarterbacks were constantly under intense pressure throughout the season.
Thomas staying healthy and starting all 17 games for the Giants would transform the offense. When healthy and playing at his best, there are few offensive linemen in the NFL better than Thomas.
In 2022, Thomas earned a career-high 90.3 Pro Football Focus grade after surrendering just four sacks and 23 pressures across 1,173 snaps and 16 starts. He even added a receiving touchdown on the campaign.
The Giants invested significant money into Thomas to maintain the protection of the quarterback’s blindside. They want to see that investment on the field this season to hopefully keep the quarterback upright and fix this offense once and for all.
