New York Giants: Eli Manning Confident In Offensive Line
The New York Giants offensive line is being discounted by many people, but quarterback Eli Manning has confidence in the group.
The New York Giants offense has the potential to be one of the most potent units in the NFL. There is plenty of talent at the skill positions, and Eli Manning is as good as they come at quarterback. The offensive line has received a lot of criticism though, as many people do not believe they have what it takes to help push the offense to the next level.
Don’t tell that to Manning though, as he is confident in the offensive line group that will be protecting him. Members of the offensive line have spoken up, praising their teammates. Now, Manning has thrown the group a vote of confidence as well.
“I think we have a good crew,” Manning said at the 39th Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Classic. “They work hard, and it’s important to them. We can win with them, for sure.”
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The group crew that Manning is referring to is Ereck Flowers at left tackle, Justin Pugh at right tackle, Weston Richburg at center, John Jerry at right guard and Marshall Newhouse at right tackle. That is an underwhelming group to some, but there is some legitimate talent and building blocks there.
Pugh and Richburg are near the top at their respective positions in the NFL. Both played at a Pro Bowl level last season, and anchor the line. While Flowers had a rocky season as a rookie, he was pressed into duty the Giants didn’t expect him to have to do. He was slated to play right tackle but had to move to Manning’s blindside at left tackle when Will Beatty got hurt.
While the performance may not have been where the Giants had hoped, he has a full offseason know to get ready knowing he will be the left tackle from Day 1. He also battled a nagging ankle injury throughout the season, so being healthy should help.
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The real problem for the Giants was the right side of the line with Jerry and Newhouse. Both were expected to be backup players, but injuries pressed them into duty as well. Both are underwhelming options and would be better split up, but that does not look like it will happen currently.
The Giants didn’t add much to challenge those two, so they look like they will be the starters there once again. While some people may be displeased with that decision, it is something that could work in the Giants favor if you ask Manning.
“I’ve always thought of the offensive line, it’s not always five individual players,” Manning said. “You have to look at them as a group, and how well they communicate, how well they get along, and understand the schemes, and handle whatever is thrown at them. The longer you have the same five together, you can grow and get better together.”
Manning has a point, as he has experience playing behind an offenisve line that played together for an extended period of time. While David Diehl, Rich Seubert, Shaun O’Hara, Chris Snee and Kareem McKenzie may not have been household names around the league, they got the job done as a cohesive unit that played multiple seasons together.
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While this current unit may not reach the level of Manning’s former protectors, Manning believes there is potential for it to be a good group. The Giants already had one of the best offenses in the NFL last season, so if the offensive line can improve some this year, the offense could be in for a big season.