N.Y. Giants: Onus is on Jason Garret to Elevate Saquon Barkley's Game

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

HOG MOLLIES STILL RUNNING IN MUD

Saquon Barkley: Playing Truth or Dare

Daniel Jones needs help, and truth be told, it's incumbent upon Saquon Barkley to supply much of it.  After all, that was Dave Gettleman's original vision, was it not?  Upon drafting Barkley, he said teams will stack the box and thus open up downfield opportunities.

'Memba?  I 'memba ...

Saquon Barkley has rushed 52 times for 186 yards through four games, averaging 13 carries for 46.5 yards per game.  Meanwhile, Daniel Jones is averaging 36 attempts per game.

His sixteen attempts against Atlanta are to date a season-high.  However, his two best efforts arguably came against Washington and New Orleans, in which he averaged over four yards per rush.

Barkley has caught 14 of 19 targets out of the backfield for 130 yards, giving him 66 total touches for 316 yards or 16.5 touches for 79 yards per game.

That's simply not enough.

First, we are forced to ask, is Saquon still playing through the lingering effects of last year's injury and recovery efforts?  We also have to decipher whether we're witnessing a lack of confidence and hesitancy on Saquon's part versus an ability to instinctually pound the ball between the tackles?  We just don't know.

If Saquon is indeed feeling 100%, then it's the offensive line that is still nowhere near creating enough daylight.  While Andrew Thomas is developing into an outstanding tackle, Nate Solder remains a liability at the other end, Will Hernandez is still not back up to snuff.  Ben Bredeson and Billy Price continue covering for the injured Nick Gates.

However, the biggest reason for the Giants inconsequential running game remains Jason Garrett's continued unbalanced attack, much less his play selection itself. 

If they're building up Saquon Barkley's workload on an incremental basis, we should soon be seeing Saquon rush twenty and 25 times per game.

This doesn't even bring into question why Devontae Booker only has seven rushing attempts for 22 yards.

N.Y. Giants: What's The Play!?

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

GETTING DARK EARLY AT EAST RUTHERFORD

WEEK THREE

Falcons    17

GIANTS  14

FINAL

More Mistakes, More Flags, More Mismanagement, More Losing

Once is an event, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a trend.  With Sunday's loss against the worst team on their schedule, the Giants now own an 0-3 record after three weeks.  It speaks for itself.

Week three featured yet more second-half folly.  Moreover, the offensive line penalties are becoming maddening; otherwise, eight-team penalties for 53 yards.  

At about the 9:00 mark of the third, Will Hernandez, who should absolutely know better, was flagged for an ineligible man downfield.  It cost Saquon Barkley a 23-yard gain.

If you were watching on TV, at 6:29 of the third quarter Daniel Jones was changing the play at the line of scrimmage.  Or was he?  Because not just once, but at least twice, we heard very clearly someone yelling out, "What is the play?"  When they finally do snap the ball, Brad Bredeson is flagged for holding.  

Nate Solder was called for another costly fourth-quarter penalty, and Billy Price another.  It's downright exasperating, and it costs the Giants games.

The Hog Mollies yielded two sacks and five other hits, which is manageable.  But they're still not creating requisite daylight.  They rushed 19 times for just 61 yards.  Saquon Barkley rushed 16 times for 51 yards.  Daniel Jones ran for 39 yards giving the Giants 100 yards for the game, but as I've been saying, this is far from optimal, nor is it tenable.

Where in the world was Deventae Booker?  Why isn't he increasing Giants' rushes to upwards of 22 to 25 per game?  Why the hell did they shovel money at him if they're not going to play him?  Elijhaa Penny and Gary Brightwell rush three times for ten yards.  

Really?

Cycling back to Jason Garrett, despite a season-high 19 rushing attempts, his play calling is still far from balanced and sometimes even nonsensical.  Why would you devise a running play for the fullback to rush around the edge?

I'll wait ...

It doesn't end there.  In the first half, Daniel Jones and the Giants' offense did many things right.  But the Giants entered the red zone three times and stalled, including a dropped pass in the end zone, thus coming away with only six points, only to lose by a field goal.

The Giants trailed 7-6 at the half, ordinarily nothing to fret over.  That is until a mistake-riddled third quarter.  

Some of that is on Joe Judge.  He needs to clean up this pandemic of penalties and better manage his timeouts!

But unlike Jason Garrett, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham called a decent game.  The Giants posted an improved three sacks and six other hits.  They held the Falcons to 17 points and under 300 total yards.  Atlanta rushed for just 69 yards, and Matt Ryan was held to 243 yards passing.  However, another costly penalty near the goal line afforded the Falcons a second chance resulting in an easy touchdown connection with the tight end.

Yes, in consecutive fourth-quarter drives, they yielded the tying score and winning score.  They even dropped a potential interception in the end zone.  But I can't put this loss on the defense, fourth-quarter letdown, and all.  Lest we forget, they lost Blake Martinez in the first half and for the season.

Despite mixing and matching Hog Mollies, investing foolishly big bucks on receiver Kenny Golladay, picking up a tight end, and selecting Kadarius Toney in the draft, the Giants' biggest problems remain on the offensive side of the ball, and not necessarily Daniel Jones.  Nor can penalties and rushing inefficiency be blamed on injuries to Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard.

With the game tied at fourteen, the Giants were given the ball with 4:13 left and mustered nothing except for Solder's holding penalty.

Sunday's loss makes two games they've been held under fifteen points.

The numbers tell no lies.

N.Y. Giants: Line of Scrimmage Still in the Dark

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK THREE

Falcons

vs.

GIANTS

If The Hog Mollies Can't Push Around The Atlanta Falcons, Then Who Can They Push?

Some intelligent guy from Greece once said: man is the measure of all things.  If we apply this to football, the Atlanta Falcons will measure the Giants' offensive line.  Because, as I say: once is an event, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a trend.  

Thus, into Game Three, we go.

Another intelligent person on Twitter said that if the Giants get more first downs, the defense spends less time on the field.

Indeed!

1. Week One, the Broncos achieved 24 first downs, 17 passing, four running, and three on penalties. 
2. Week Two, Washington completed 25 first downs, 13 passing, eight running, and four on penalties.

• Through two weeks, opponents have achieved 49 first downs, 30 passing, twelve running, and seven on penalties.

1. Against the Broncos, the Giants earned 19 first downs, 13 passing, three running, and three on penalties.
2. Against Washington, they completed 21 first downs, ten passing, seven running, and four on penalties.

• All told, the Giants have achieved 40 first downs, 23 passing, ten running, and seven on penalties.

Said another way, the Giants are getting outplayed.  But do with these numbers as you will.  Just know they're being polluted by Daniel Jones.  The Giant quarterback leads the team through two games with 122 yards running on 15 romps, with two touchdowns, one fumble, and no trip-ups ... yet.

The backfield of Saquon Barkley and Devontae Booker together has rushed 29 times for 99 yards.  If you take away Barkley's 41-yard run against Washington, Saquon finishes that game with twelve rushes for 16 yards.  With his 41-yard romp, Barkley has now rushed 23 times for 83 total yards, averaging 3.6 yards per run.  He carried ten times against the Broncos and 13 times against Washington.  Is he being eased back into action coming off last year's injury?  Indeed he is.

However, the numbers still speak for themselves.  In light of Saquon's soft return, there are two, actually three, big reasons why Devontae Booker is not helping bring the rushes per game up from 14 and 15 to upwards of twenty-plus per game.  

Sometimes stuff like this needs to be revisited ...

ONE  -  The days of the highly skilled blocking fullback (Maurice Carthon) have gone the way of the Dodo Bird - flightless, grounded, extinct.  Phil Simms and the Giants do not win Super Bowl XXI without Joe Morris; Jeff Hostetler and company do not win XXV without Otis Anderson.  Heck, Kerry Collins, and Jim Fassel do not get to XXXV without Tiki Barber.  What these three teams had in common was a formidable offensive line.  After the 2000 season, Ernie Accorsi further supplemented it, and that offensive line set a record for consecutive games played together.  They all waited for Eli Manning to grow up, and when he did, the Giants won two more Super Bowls.  But, of course, that doesn't happen without Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.  What did the 1986/1990 Giants have in common with 2007/2011 Giants, you ask?  Both teams featured Pro Bowl-caliber centers in Bart Oates and Shaun O'Hara.

TWO. -  Bill Parcell's Giants were straight out smash mouth.  Simms was tasked with being a field manager.  That's why he glistened in Super Bowl XXI because entering that game, the Giants had already stamped the NFL with their running game.  Nor did 2007 and 2011 happen without offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, who, despite pass-happy Tom Coughlin, called a balanced game; after all, the Giants featured a formidable running game.  The point being, offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is the one calling plays.  His style often works contrary to the available talent pool; his sense of pass/run balance is nonexistent.  Everything in between is rightly within questioning.

THREE  -  Forget the history lesson; the Hog Mollies are simply not performing at a contending level, never have.  After 2011, Jerry Reese then Dave Gettleman have never satisfactorily rebuilt the offensive line.  Instead, they effectively ruined the latter part of Eli Manning's career.  But I digress.  The offensive line is not creating enough daylight.  Open a lane, and I can push a mailbox through for positive yardage.  Otherwise, the line of scrimmage remains dark.  Whether by design or taking what is given, yardage gained by Daniel Jones is strictly opportunistic football.  It's the complete antithesis of what we Giant fans know works because it's been proven: clock-control smash-mouth football.

The season-ending injury to Shane Lemieux, and presently to Nick Gates (IR) further compound matters.  The Giants will be moving forward with Andrew Thomas, Ben Bredeson, Billy Price at the center, Will Hernandez, and Nate Solder, with Matt Peart and recently signed (C) Jonothan Harrison on call.  

Newly inserted center Billy Price did not at all have a good game against Washington.  Andrew Thomas was better from week one to the next.  Nate Solder and Will Hernandez remain pedestrian, and Ben Bredeson performed under par. 

What more can I say, other than there's a reason teams like the Steelers and others make such huge investments into their (center) offensive lines.  

First downs or bust ...

I will go to my grave believing Atlanta lost the Super Bowl to New England because (their then) All-Pro quality center Alex Mack broke his leg just before halftime.  Afterwhich, the Falcons running game completely collapsed like a cheap poker table.  Atlanta's inability to achieve first downs compromised their entire second half.  They instantly became one-dimensional; Bill Belichick and Tom Brady and took care of the rest.

The Denver Broncos have a good defense, and Washington features better security.  But the same cannot be said of the Atlanta Falcons.  We shall see if these Hog Mollies are trending or not.

ICYMI

• All Eyes On Daniel Jones, and the Man Who Drafted Him
• Stumblin' and Fumblin' in Week One Loss to Broncos
• Still In Search of the Elusive Hog Mollies
• Week Two Marred By More Mistakes and Another Fourth Quarter Meltdown
• The Pressure is On For Some, Off For Others

N.Y. Giants: All Eyes on Daniel Jones and the Man Who Drafted Him

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK ONE

Broncos

vs.

GIANTS

Dave Gettleman Takes His Rightful Place In The Hot Seat

All eyes are on Daniel Jones.  By most accounts, last season was a step backward.  If you care to place some of the blame on losing Saquon Barkley in Week Two, I won't stop you.  In any event, entering his third NFL season, the Giants now need Jones to take a major leap forward.  

Dave Gettleman's job depends on it.  

The Giants last season rated second to last in offensive productivity.

Therefore, the general manager signed Kenny Golladay, picked up Kyle Rudolph and drafted wide receiver, Kadarius Toney.  They'll join regulars Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, Evan Engram, and Darius Slayton, with Jason Garrett calling plays.

Is this collection of ball handlers playoff-caliber?

Insofar as the NFC East, maybe.  Conference and Super Bowl quality?  Hardly ...

But once again, the offensive line will be a decisive factor.  The best thing I can come up with is continuity.  I believe that's an important element in building offensive lines.  There's a level of choreography they must establish together as a unit.  Andrew Thomas, Will Hernandez, Nick Gates, Matt Peart, and perhaps the return of Nate Solder at right tackle have time together.  As such, I expect them to collectively function more effectively.  

But can they protect Daniel Jones and create daylight for Saquon Barkley?  Can this offense consistently make first downs, sustain possession, and limit the defense's time on the field?

Is this offense up for the challenge?

All this remains to be seen.

My true opinion: mediocrity rules the day.

Denver has a good defense.  I think the Giants get blown out Sunday.  There, I said it, and it's up to the Giants to change my mind.  

This will be Dave Gettleman's fourth season.  Forget being an NFC contender.  The Giants aren't even the best of the rest, not with a 15-33 record over the last three seasons.

Patrick Graham is doing a good job on the other side of the ball.  Last season the defense was forced into playing too many minutes.  This season, it's up to the offense to pull their fair share of the load.  That being said, this general manager must go if his collective draft choices do not help elevate the Giants this season.  

Hopefully, head coach Joe Judge, who has my full support, can show them the way.

Lest we forget, Wellington Mara's five-year rebuilding plan took two decades.  His son is entering year ten.

 

N.Y. Giants: The Wayne Gallman Era Begins

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

IF OFFENSIVE LINE DOMINATES LINE OF SCRIMMAGE

WE'LL HAVE NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS TO SAY 

ABOUT DANIEL JONES AND WAYNE GALLMAN

WEEK FOUR

D.C. Football

vs.

New York Giants

So much for protecting and preserving Saquon Barkley.  You can't prevent injury.  It doesn't work.  I just hope Barkley learns the value of occasionally slipping out of bounds.  There's always the next play to consider.

Otherwise the Giants were slowly building up his work load.  They start him in week one with 11 rushes/4 receptions, then 18 rushes/3 receptions in week two.  Saquon was up to 8 rushes/4 receptions when he went down in the second quarter against Tampa.  Week three understandably was the first game in which the Giants failed to gain 100-yards rushing.  However, rookie Daniel Jones saved the day with two touchdowns on the ground and two more via the air.

Reports say Saquon will not require surgery but will nevertheless miss anywhere from four to eight weeks.  Yet the news doesn't seem to dissuade opinions and expectations from changing on a dime.  That's what you get for winning the first game of the post Eli Manning era.  So what now for Daniel Jones, Pat Shurmur, and the suddenly optimistic (1-2) New York Giants?

Quite obviously they need a viable running game.  Poised to make his third ever NFL start, Wayne Gallman stands ready to seize the moment.

Right?

He has averaged 4.0 yards per carry through 31 career games.  Meanwhile the Giants offensive line is generating a league best 6.3 yards per rush, according to ESPN.

Perchance to dream ...

Between Gallman and perhaps rookie Jonathan Hilliman it would please me to see them join for 25 to 30 rushing attempts.  Not so much in an effort to beat Washington, but for sake of establishing offensive credibility in the weeks to come.  How else does coach Shurmur expect to keep the opposition honest?  After Sunday, the Giants host Minnesota then travel to New England.  Do you really think Belichick game plans with a sense of mercy in light of Big Blue's rookie quarterback and broken backfield?

Exactly ...

I can't speak for Big Blue's defense.  But I do know the best way of limiting their time on the field is for the offensive line to dominate the line of scrimmage; win time of possession for a change.  Get behind the Hog Mollies and at least try running with power.  If they create daylight Wayne Gallman will find it.  Then Daniel Jones can go about the business of being a good quarterback.  But the Hog Mollies must protect Jones as well.  The offensive line allowed just two sacks and ten QB hits through weeks one and two.  Tampa recorded five sacks and 15 other QB hits!  Shaquil Barrett had four sacks alone.  Meanwhile overly expensive left tackle Nate Solder performed with all the grace and athleticism of a mailbox.  That must change.

It's already week four, a quarter of the way through the season, and the Giants are still searching for identity.  I do not believe in trickery nor reliance on broken plays and QB scrambles.  You can move the pocket only so many times until the situation demands a QB stay put and make a pass.  But when all else fails, the ability to run effectively is a fundamental pigskin necessity.  Washington presents a perfect opponent for putting Dave Gettleman's Hog Mollies to the test.  Let's see how they perform in a run intensive environment.

Please ...

After all, the Giants are in rebuild, right?

N.Y. Giants: Daniel Jones Unleashed

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

DANIEL JONES

STARTING QUARTERBACK DEBUT

WEEK THREE

Giants   32

Bucs      31

FINAL

ROOKIE QUARTERBACK DEMONSTRATES WHY HE'S THE NEW MANN IN CHARGE.

Once upon a time 49ers head coach George Seifert couldn't wait to jettison surefire hall of famer Joe Montana in favor of Steve Young - just like Patriots head coach Bill Belichick couldn't wait to eject Drew Bledsoe in favor of Tom Brady; just like Green Bay's Mike McCarthy couldn't wait to rid himself of Brett Favre in favor of Aaron Rogers; and just like Tom Coughlin decided to move away from Kurt Warner in favor of his highly touted rookie.  Every one of the aforementioned quarterbacks played in at least one Super Bowl.  Which is to say this is how football generally works.  Its nothing personal.  In like manner Pat Shurmur decides after week two it's time to lower the curtain on Eli Manning's illustrious career as starting quarterback of the New York Giants.

Very unlike the Ben McAdoo/Jerry Reese/John Mara triumvirate's ill conceived plan to bench Eli in favor of Geno Smith, Pat Shurmur moves forward with apparent autonomy, but more importantly a qualified replacement.  With his rookie under center, head coach Put Shurmur's playbook also changes.  Even though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do much to scuttle their own efforts, Dave Gettleman's and Shurmur's first round draft selection brilliantly leads the Giants to their first victory of the season.

And just like that, the Daniel Jones era begins ...

Down 28-10 at the half, the Giants put up 22 second-half points en route to a stunning 32-31 victory at Tampa.  Jones is 23 of 36 (64%) for 336 yards.  He connects for touchdowns with Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram who both exceed 100-yards receiving.  Rookie Darius Slayton is not far behind with 82 yards on just three receptions.  But after eight rushing attempts, Saquon Barkley is forced out of the game with a high ankle sprain.  Naturally, Daniel Jones rushes for two touchdowns.

We all know not every game will be like this.  But it's a helluva damn good start.  Jones did fumble twice, and the Giants really should have lost.  However, Sunday was the most fun I've had watching Big Blue football since the end of the 2011 season.

Now the Giants just need to take care of him.  The offensive line allowed just two total sacks and ten QB hits through weeks one and two.  Tampa records five sacks and 15 other QB hits!  Shaquil Barrett has four sacks alone.  High priced left tackle Nate Solder performs with all the athleticism of a mailbox.

N.Y. Giants: In Search of the Elusive Big Blue Hog Mollies

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

THE OFFENSIVE LINE

New York Football Giants: Dave Gettleman's Hog Mollies Coming to a Gridiron Near You.

ICYMI: The Post Odell Beckham Era Begins

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.

N.Y. Giants: Addition by Subtraction

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

 WEEK THREE

GIANTS   27

TEXANS  22

FINAL

New York Football Giants: Big Blue Back-Ups Rush to Reinforce Offensive Line.

Despite Cries to the Contrary, Dave Gettleman Has So Far Kept Off-Season 

Promise to Revamp Offensive Line and Recommit to Running Game.

First, allow me to preface everything by saying that for three straight weeks now, the Houston Texans have been utterly, albeit unexpectedly, terrible.  I heard over the weekend someone say that Houston is playing against two teams: their opponents and themselves.  Whatever their malfunction, its their problem.

The Giants gain their first victory of the season with a very well rounded effort against the Texans.  However, Big Blue is not without their own problems.  Starting center Jon Halapio breaks his leg in Week Two against the Dallas Cowboys forcing Brett Jones into action, and beleaguered right tackle Ereck Flowers is (finally) benched in favor of Chad Wheeler.

Rewind back to Week One against Jacksonville - With both Jon Halapio and Ereck Flowers starting, the Giants rush 23 times for 114 net yards.  Together Jonathan Stewart and Saquon Barkley account for 20 attempts.  Five plays go left (behind either guard Will Hernandez and tackle Nate Solder) for 16-yards; five plays go up the middle (Jon Halapio) for 6-yards.  But ten plays go right-side (guard Patrick Omameh and tackle Ereck Flowers) for 92-yards, which includes Saquon Barkley's fourth quarter 68-yard touchdown run.  That play started middle but then bounced right through Ereck Flowers' lead block.  But if you subtract Barkley's romp, the Giants run right nine times for 24-yards.

Jon Halapio and Ereck Flowers start again at Dallas.  This turns out being a bad day for not just the offensive line, but for all involved - Coach Shurmur and offensive coordinator Mike Shula included.  The Giants all but abandon the run game, rushing only 14 times all game for 31-yards.  Eli scrambles three other times giving the Giants a total of 37-yards on the ground.  Halapio sustains a broken leg with six minutes left in the third quarter.  Prior to his injury, the Giants attempt a mere ten rushes for 27-yards.  Post injury, the Giants attempt another four rushes for four more yards.  All told, the Giants rush left six times for 19-yards.  They rush middle seven times with but one yard to show, and four other rushes go right for 17-yards.

With Jon Halapio out for the season, and Houston's J.J. Watt looming, Coach Shurmur benches Ereck Flowers.  And low and behold, Sunday ushers in a remarkable change in chemistry, and perhaps even fortune.  Or does command decision and better execution rule the day?

PASS PROTECTION IS A BIG BLUE ISSUE

In fairness to Chad Wheeler, J.J. Watt is an extraordinary specimen and arguably the best NFL creature at his position.  The Texans predictably sack Eli Manning four times and rough him up six other times (J.J. Watt alone accounts for three sacks, and five QB hits).  Wheeler struggles against Watt's speed rushes, and at times is simply outsmarted.  Back in Week One, the Jaguars sack Eli twice and get in six other touches.  After which Dallas sacks Eli six times and tag him with eight other QB hits in Week Two.  Suffice it to say pass protection remains a Giant issue.  After three weeks, they've allowed twelve sacks and 20 other QB hits.  That's no way to keep your 37-year old quarterback healthy and on the field.  His greatest ability will ultimately be his continued availability.

And that's why the running game is of paramount concern.  Eli is at his best working off play action.

With Brett Jones and Chad Wheeler starting for the first time together, the offensive line provides just enough space and time for Eli Manning, and creates just enough daylight for another 100-yard ground effort.  Eli connects on 25/29 (86%) for 297 yards and two touchdowns.  Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Stewart, and Wayne Gallman join together on 25 rushes for 115-yards.  The Giants run left six times for 22-yards.  Although three plays up the middle go for negative yardage, they run off-center ten times for 18 net yards.  The right side has another big day, with nine rushes going their way resulting in 75-yards gained and a touchdown.

OUT OF THE DARK; INTO THE DAYLIGHT

The Giants are clearly rushing middle/right - towards their weakness - with a noticeable measure of success.  Through three games, they've rushed left-side 17 times for 57-yards.  They've gone up the gut 23 times for 40-yards, and have rushed right-side 22 times for 169-yards.  The latter is more than the 2017 Giants entire rushing totals through their first three games as they elect to run a mere 46 times for a grand total of 147-yards.  Through three games this season, Saquon Barkely alone has rushed exactly 46 times for 216-yards.  Otherwise, the Giants have rushed for 263-yards to date.  Meanwhile, Eli Manning is down to 81 pass attempts versus 117 pass attempts at this time last season.

This is Dave Gettleman at work.  With the benching of Ereck Flowers, the offensive line left behind by former general manager Jerry Reese is officially purged.  Of course, there is still much work to be done and more improvements to be made.  For the moment, however, it appears as if Gettleman has accomplished in one off-season what Reese failed to adequately address over the last six or seven seasons.  Despite a disappointing 1-2 start, the first three games of this season prove that out.

At the same time, this is not a ringing endorsement.

N.Y. Giants: Last Chance at the Eli Manning Corral

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Can Giants Get Back to Running Between the Tackles?

New York Football Giants: Dave Gettleman is putting an awful lot of trust in Eli Manning's ability to stay injury free not just this season, but next season as well.

With great conviction the Giants new general manager moves forward with a 37-year old quarterback, no viable back-up, and without a contingency plan for securing a replacement in the foreseeable future.

With the second overall pick of the draft, I did not agree with Dave Gettleman's decision to select Saquon Barkley.  There were several highly rated quarterbacks available, and a touted pass rusher to be had as well.  But Gettleman passed on them all, then turns and cuts back-up quarterback Davis Webb one week before the regular season opener.

That's called win now mentality, and life after Eli Manning be damned.

Coming off a 3-13 season, I'm not sure this is the correct course of action.  Be that as it may, instead of tearing it down and rebuilding, the plan is to squeeze every last bit of goodness out of Eli.

I'm no Eli apologist - no need to be.  He is flawed; not the most accurate passer; and did indeed lead the NFL three times in interceptions.  But I don't care.  I have no issue with Eli.  The bottom line is that I trust him.  The great debate as to whether or not he is/was elite always strikes me as nonsensical because damn near every critic takes his career completely out of context.  No one brings up that former offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride's play selection routinely led the NFL in most yards attempted per pass, and that Tom Coughlin happily signed off.  Coughlin and Gilbride were buddies from way back, and were in lockstep with Eli running a purposeful high risk, high reward offense.

Let's also not forget it was Ernie Accorsi's offensive line which nursed Eli Manning to maturity.  Once up to snuff, Eli, behind that offensive line pressed on to win two Super Bowls together.  In turn, Jerry Reese is to blame for running that same offensive line (and running game) into the ground.

Enough ...

With Gettleman's selection of Saquon Barkley, and the re-signing of Odell Beckham, together with Eli Manning, the Giants have an offensive triad that could potentially rank among the best.  Add tight end Evan Engram, and we're talking a quartet arguably comparable with any in the league.  If Dave Gettleman's revamped offensive line provides Eli Manning just one or two seconds more of pocket time, it won't matter if the opposition triple-covers Odell.

Yeah, about that offensive line ...

For all Gettleman's efforts, he still can't hide Ereck Flowers.  Shifting him to the right side is a good start.  In the meantime, I'm more concerned with both the collective abilities of Nate Solder, center Jon Halapio, and Patrick Omameh to create daylight, and with Saquon Barkley's ability to rush between the tackles.

Barkley's pre-season was compromised by a strained hamstring sustained in the Giants first exhibition game.  We'll see how far the Giants push him against the Jaguars, but I do not think they have 25 rushes in mind.  I suspect Coach Shurmur and new offensive coordinator Mike Shula will have him equally rush and receive.

The Giants offense failed to score thirty points in any game last season.  This season, the Giants were handed one of the toughest schedules in football.

Go Gettleman Go!

N.Y. Giants: No Hiding Flowers In Newly Constructed Offensive Line

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Dave Gettleman spends big bucks and a 

second round pick to refortify offensive line.

New York Football Giants: Dave Gettleman did more to overhaul the offensive line in his first off-season than did former general manager Jerry Reese over the last six years.

The day after winning Super Bowl XLVI, should have been the day Jerry Reese started deconstructing and rebuilding his offensive line.  He did no such thing.  Which is part and parcel why Reese is no longer employed by the Giants.

This year's helmet crashers will feature three brand new members.  But with Ereck Flowers shifting over to the right side, and Jon Halapio moving to center, all five positions will have a new starter in place.

Gettleman paid the necessary premium in order to secure free agent left tackle Nate Solder.  His four year, $62 million dollar contract makes Nate the NFL's highest paid lineman.  But that's the price the Giants needed to pay in order to rectify an untenable situation (where it concerns Eli Manning's ability to play upright).  Solder was Tom Brady's blind side protector for the last seven years, and won two Super Bowls with the Patriots.  He instantly becomes the anchor of this unit.  His four line mates would be wise to follow his lead.

With their second pick in the 2018 draft, the Giants select left guard Will Hernandez.  He's 6'4", 327 lbs., and when on the field is said to be mean as a rattlesnake.  At one point during training camp, he and B.J. Goodson engaged in a minor altercation and needed to be separated.  That's good!  And I couldn't be happier with this selection.

Jon Halapio takes over at center.  Exactly why, I'm not quite sure, because it's not his natural position. But it would seem he simply demonstrated better ability and agility at the position.  Listed at 6'3", 315 lbs., I certainly don't mind the switch.  Brett Jones last year played fairly well in place of the since departed Weston Richburg.  But this is clearly Coach Shurmur's decision, whom like Gettleman is seemingly doing everything possible to separate themselves from last season's mess.

In March, Gettleman signed former Jacksonville Jaguar right guard Patrick Omameh to a three year deal.  How he fairs playing next to Ereck Flowers remains to be seen.  There's an obvious and necessary role for both him and center Jon Halapio to play in helping Ereck Flowers successfully negotiate four quarters of football.

Banned from the more critical left side, Ereck Flowers has been reassigned to right tackle.  His next move should be out the door.  The switch simply means Eli Manning will get to look his would be attackers in the face (as opposed to being hit from behind).  Flowers is still a liability opposing defenses will look to exploit - only difference being he'll now be appearing on their left.  No sooner than Week One will Jacksonville let the Giants know exactly where they stand with regard to Ereck Flowers.

Many of the Giants most recent failures have been largely blamed on an inept offensive line.  While Dave Gettleman did well to enact sweeping changes in just one off-season, some questions never change, such as can this new offensive line both satisfactorily protect an older Eli Manning and create sufficient daylight for rookie Saquon Barkley? 

The Giants first game of the season against a stout Jacksonville defense will go a long way towards answering these questions, and more.

N.Y. Giants: Gettleman Runs To Daylight With Saquon Barkley Selection

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

No Quarterback For You

New York Giants: Dave Gettleman Says He Got His Man.  But Did He, Really?

Last season, Eli Manning arguably played every bit like a 36-year old quarterback winding down his fourteen year NFL career.  Playing for Ben McAdoo, behind an inept offensive line, and minus Odell Beckham Jr. were largely to blame for Eli's downturn in performance.

But make no mistake, Eli battled with his own episodes of ineptitude, as well.  Back in 2008, Manning threw for 3,238 yards.  Then between 2009 through 2016, he averaged 4,198 yards per season.  Last season he only threw for 3,468 yards.

Moreover, the best quarterback in Giants history just turned 37-years old this past January.

For the record, I want #NYG trading out of second overall pick if they have no intention of selecting QB. #LikeYouCare

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) April 26, 2018

Although I believe Eli will continue performing well through the remainder of his contract, I did indeed want Gettleman to draft Manning's potential replacement.  Outside of Baker Mayfield, Dave Gettleman could have selected from any one of three quarterbacks taken within the first ten overall selections of the NFL draft, but chose not to.  That tells me he is either supremely confident in Eli Manning, or that he wasn't at all enamored with this year's class of quarterbacks, or both, and will thus seek a quarterback replacement next next season.

With the second overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft, Dave Gettleman and the New York Giants selected Penn State running back Saquon Barkley.  Gettleman says Barkley was his guy all along.  I chalk that up to GM speak.  Otherwise, I have zero issue with the selection.  There's something to be said for selecting the best athlete on the board which is exactly what most football pundits were saying of Barkley.

Picking a running back that early in the draft, of course, is nothing new to me.  Back in the day running backs went high in the draft all the time.  Between 1977 and 1986, half of the ten number one overall picks were running backs: Rickey Bell; Earl Campbell; Bill Sims; George Rodgers; and Bo Jackson.

In fact, I grew up when running back performance was still somewhat emphasized over quarterbacks.  Along with the aforementioned, include Barry Sanders; Marcus Allen; Chuck Muncie; John Riggins; Tony Dorsett; Eric Dickerson; as well as USFL performers Joe Cribbs; Mike Rozier, Kelvin Bryant, and of course Herschel Walker.

Like Saquon Barkely, former Seattle running back Curt Warner is a Penn State alum, as is the last running back taken with the first overall selection in the NFL draft back in 1995, Ki-Jana Carter.

Previous to the draft it's worth noting one of Gettleman's first acts as general manager back in December was to fire VP of Player Evaluation, Marc Ross.


GIANTS 2018 NFL DRAFT

• Round One: Saquon Barkley - RB (Penn State)
• Round Two: Will Hernandez - OG (UTEP)
• Round Three: Loranzo Carter - OLB (Georgia)
• Round Three: B.J. Hill - DT (North Carolina State)
• Round Four: Kyle Lauletta - QB - (Richmond)
• Round Five: RJ McIntosh - DT - (Miami/FLA)

Where team priorities are concerned, I'm content with every selection except one: Kyle Lauletta/QB.  If Gettleman was the least bit inclined to select a higher rated quarterback with the second overall pick, then why waste (and I do mean waste...) a #4 pick on a quarterback?  On that note, we know little more about Davis Webb today than we did this time last year.  I would have preferred Gettleman use that fourth round pick on another lineman or corner back.


OFF-SEASON TRANSACTIONS

• Re-Sign Brett Jones - C
• Nate Solder- T
• Patrick Omemeh - OL
• Cody Latimer - WR
• Kerry Wynn - DE
• Josh Mauro - DE
• Kareem Martin - LB
• Curtis Riley - DB
• Michael Thomas - S
• William Gay - CB
• B.W. Webb - CB

Is it possible Dave Gettleman did more to improve the offensive line in one off-season than did Jerry Reese over his last six years?  Without a doubt he did.  With a full complement of receivers, better pass protection, and Saquon Barkley rushing/receiving out of the backfield, the Giants offense should be an improved unit.  However, I still consider Big Blue a rebuilding team.  This offensive line still has a ways to go.  Meanwhile, Eli is pressed for time.


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