New York Giants Offseason: Reviewing the Interior Offensive Line
By Sean Dyer
2017 Depth Chart
Justin Pugh – 8 starts at LG and RT, 2.5 sacks allowed, 1 penalty (unrestricted FA)
John Jerry – 16 starts at RG and LG, 1.5 sacks allowed, 2 penalties (signed thru 2019)
D.J. Fluker – 6 starts at RG, 1 sack allowed, 3 penalties (unrestricted free agent)
Weston Richburg – 4 starts at C, 0 sacks allowed, 1 penalty (unrestricted free agent)
Brett Jones – 13 starts at C and LG, 3 sacks allowed, 2 penalties (restricted FA)
Jon Halapio – 6 starts at RG, 0 sacks allowed, 2 penalties (exclusive rights free agent)
John Greco – 1 start at RG, 0 sacks allowed, 2 penalties (signed through 2018)
2017 Review
As you can see, the guard position, along with the entire offensive line, was a mess for the New York Giants in 2017.
Big Blue’s best offensive lineman, Justin Pugh, played only eight games due to a back injury and injuries to Bobby Hart forced him to fill in at right tackle. Although he had a minor adjustment period after moving to right tackle, when Pugh was healthy, he was effective. I’d rather pay for eight games of Pugh than a full season of Ereck Flowers. Injuries continue to hamper Pugh’s career, however, as he hasn’t played in all 16 games since his rookie season in 2013.
John Jerry started the season as the Giants starting right guard but moved to left guard when Pugh had to kick out to tackle. Jerry actually played better on the left side, especially when it came to run blocking. Jerry’s position switch, along with a few other factors, helped get the Giants running game going in the second half of the season.
One of those other factors was the insertion of D.J. Fluker into the starting lineup. When Fluker took over at right guard, New York’s running backs started to find running room. Although Fluker led this group with three penalties, they were all false starts. False starts are frustrating but not as damaging to a drive as holding penalties and more time in the offense working with Eli Manning should help eliminate those mistakes.
Weston Richburg was supposed to be the second reliable offensive lineman for Big Blue but 2017 was a disappointing season for the center. Richburg played in just four games before landing on injured reserve with a concussion. It certainly wasn’t the year he hoped to have heading into free agency.
Brett Jones filled in at left guard for one game before taking over for Richburg at center in Week 5. Jones made the final 12 starts at center and proved to be a capable starter. Jones also played a part in improving the Giants running game in the second half of the season. After signing the former CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2015, New York finally reaped the rewards in 2017.
Jon Halapio filled in late in the season after injuries had affected just about every spot on the offensive line. For the most part, Halapio held his own as a quality reserve.
John Greco was a last-ditch fill in when the Giants just needed to put a lineup together to finish the season. Greco is an 11-year veteran whose experience helped him jump in late in the year.