THE OFFENSIVE LINE
Did anyone happen to catch New England's latest Super Bowl performance, and how the Patriots entire post-season run was largely predicated on a strong rushing game? Tom Brady aside, New England's plan was as gray, wrinkly, and arthritic, as old school football gets. Only thing missing were leather helmets. Truth is New England's change in style had already been put into effect weeks before the regular season ended. Vince Lombardi would have been brought to tears upon witnessing such meticulous front five execution. Because lost in Simon Bar Sinister's AFC championship chess match against Andy Reid, and the reeducation of the L.A. Chargers new coach on the block, is the dominant and masterful performance choreographed by New England's offensive linemen. In turn, rookie Sony Michel was able to successfully matriculate the Patriots towards daylight. The GOAT stepped up when needed, sure. But it was the offensive line whom truly carried the day.
Perchance to dream ...
It's all about the hog mollies as Dave Gettleman likes to say; the big guys up front pushing people around, shoving bodies out of the way, or driving them into the ground if needed. If you follow DO IT FOR THE DUKE you know I couldn't agree more. I still refer to that style of football by its former nomenclature: smash mouth. And for years I've been screaming for its return.
This offensive line is unrecognizable compared to those of just two and three seasons ago. That alone makes this a promising endeavor. The former Ereck Flower(s) bed occupying space along the right side has been dug up and replanted. This year's front five is a consortium of trades, free agency, and the draft. Their average size is 6' 4" and 318 lbs. Maybe that's what Gettleman means by hog mollies. They're also an experienced bunch. Jon Halapio is still a novice center. But he and sophomore Will Hernandez will now have on either side of them veterans Kevin Zeitler and Mike Remmers in addition to Nate Solder.
So what's the catch? Three of the five positions feature players returning from some sort of surgery.
Otherwise this appears to be the best assemblage of linemen in quite some time. The quicker they establish cohesion the better. If they can provide Saquon Barkley with just a little maneuvering room, the Giants sophomore rusher will find wide swaths of space. But the major question undoubtedly lies in this line's ability to keep Eli Manning upright, and affording him enough seconds to smartly scan his sectors. Same goes for Daniel Jones. But the quarterback situation for now is another matter. Today is about branding Gettleman's hog mollies.
Nate Solder ~ Will Hernandez ~ Jon Halapio ~ Kevin Zeitler ~ Mike Remmers
Left Tackle There's a reason why 31-year old Nate Solder is among the highest paid linemen in football. Bill Belichick got his best years then purged him from the Patriots ranks. Solder in turn winds up signing with a desperate club willing to throw big money at a huge problem. Let's face it, despite being a two-time Super Bowl champion, to date Solder has turned out to be somewhat of a bust as a New York Giant. To his credit he demonstrated notable improvement as the season progressed. However expectations placed upon him have only grown since December 30th. And the only way to calm fan anxieties, and help ease the pain of his prohibitive contract is through performance, i.e., effective pass protection and helping to create daylight for Saquon Barkley. Just hold that thought ... because he is presently recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his ankle. A clean up procedure we're being told. Just the kinda thing we wanna hear heading into opening day.
Left Guard Will Hernandez enters his second season after starting all 16 games last year as a rookie. Listed at 6' 3" and 332 lbs., he proved himself a very worthy second round selection with NFL representative play, and deserves respect. Like Solder, he was vastly improved over the second half of the season. The Giants are getting terrific dollar on the muscle.
Center Jon Halapio is another New England draftee, since purged by the Patriots. He came to the Giants via the Denver Broncos without ever having played a game for them. Listed at 6' 3", 317lbs., he began his Giants career two years ago at right guard, but was later transitioned to center. Last season, he started the first two games of the season but unfortunately broke his leg/ankle causing him to miss the rest of the season. As a result, we're somewhat more familiar with Spencer Pulley whom I thought filled in very well last season for Halapio. He was part of Gettleman's second half reconfiguration which proved more effective. I thought after last year's performance he would be the incumbent heading into camp. The Giants appeared content with letting competition win the day.
MY KINGDOM FOR A CENTER
Bart Oates; Shaun O'Hara; show me a Super Bowl contender and I'll show you a Pro Bowl caliber center. Why do you suppose a formerly league wide respected Jets offensive line and running game fell apart like wet toilet paper once Nick Mangold went down? Everyone raves about Tom Brady and the New England Patriots historic comeback in SB LI against the Atlanta Falcons. What no one mentions is how the Falcons dominated the first half through their running game. But when six-time All-Pro center Alex Mack broke his leg and became unavailable for the second half Atlanta became one dimensional because they could no longer run effectively if at all; they were no longer gaining first downs; no longer maintaining possession; nor controlling the clock. All of it stopped after Mack goes down. His absence is an open invitation for Tom Brady to stay on the field. Atlanta's defense was gassed, spent, done, what have you. Why do you suppose the Steelers recently reinvested in their center? Who is the Patriots center? David Andrews? The 24-year old four year veteran has two rings and is entering the last year of his deal. How would you like to be in his shoes? Better yet, how would you like to see him in Giants cleats? I can go on ...
Right Guard Dave Gettleman trades the Giants only legitimate pass rusher, Olivier Vernon, and their #4 pick to Cleveland in exchange for highly regarded right guard Kevin Zeitler and the Browns #5 pick (Giants draft wide receiver Darius Slayton; #171 overall). Zeitler is signed to a cap friendly contract through the 2021 season. This is easily Gettleman's finest offensive line acquisition to date as Zeitler is well considered to be a legitimate talent and one of the best pass protectors in the league.
Right Tackle Released by the Vikings, Mike Remmers is entering his eighth year in the NFL. He is a familiar and known quality to both Dave Gettleman and coach Shurmur from his days at Carolina and Minnesota respectively. The 30-year old started all 16 games last season but underwent off-season back surgery.
Eli Manning's swan song rests in their hands ... and on their backs, legs, and ankles.
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