The New York Giants’ O-Line Has Something To Prove In Week 1

New York Giants, Nate Solder

After years of neglect and porous draft picking by the New York Giants on the offensive line, we might ‘finally’ have some optimism to bet our money on. The new regime made it a priority to build through the trenches and rejuvenate a line that consisted of Bobby Hart and Ereck Flowers at left tackle in 2017.

Signing LT Nate Solder to a massive contract was the first step in the process, with the next being Patrick Omameh, the drafting of Will Hernandez, and the transition of Flowers to right tackle. We can justify optimism with this group, especially on the left side of the line where Solder will hold down the fort and “The Hulk” Hernandez has shown great ability thus far in his young career.

But where are the players emotionally on the line, and are the prepared to help change the narrative of a struggling offense?

“They’re anxious to show what they can do. I think they feel like they’ve all got something to prove. Everybody’s got their own story with some – everybody comes from a different place and they’ve got a story to prove and what they want to try and show the NFL and the people that are going to be watching them play,” O-line coach Hal Hunter said. “Everybody’s got their own unique story. Am I a rookie and playing for the first time? Am I playing in a different position? Did I leave one zip code and come to another? Everybody’s got something they’re trying to establish and so you establish it by signing your work on game day.

The Giants will need time to allow their group to gel and understand the concepts of the offense. Chemistry is a huge ingredient for success on the offensive line, as you must be able to pick up stunts and time your movements appropriately for the assets around you.

Who has shown promise so far in the preseason for the New York Giants?

Solder has looked phenomenal so far as a Giant – he’s allowed Manning to read his progressions without worry from his blind side. This was a ‘major’ improvement to the unit, as Flowers was a glorified turnstile last season. Despite the fact he’s moved to the right side, it will give Eli a bit more time to work the pocket and put his team in a position to succeed.

The most interesting position on the line has been center. Jon Halapio won the job after being a career-long practice squad/reserve man, sending Brett Jones to the Vikings where he will subsequently start in week 1. Halapio has looked solid as a starter and should play a pivotal role on the line this season.

Hernandez has been exactly as advertised ahead of the draft – a hogmollie with a strong base and impressive power. He has held his ground during preseason, but there’s no doubt he will suffer from the rookie hiccups along the way. He will likely be the Giants’ best guard.

Omameh on the other hand has been less than adequate. His issues seem to be more centralized around his ability to work with Flowers rather than as an individual. They don’t seem to be on the same page at times and it results in quarterback pressure and line breaches. He will need to improve his chemistry with the right tackle quickly before it becomes a liability.

Flower has earned a ‘satisfactory’ grading in my book this summer. He’s shown flashes at times but the fact of the matter is that he will never be an elite lineman. The best we can hope for is average, and that would be more than enough.

 

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