Giants’ latest offensive line shakeup could be their riskiest
For too long, the Giants haven’t been able to depend on their offensive line. Now, they can’t even count on knowing who their starters will be.
The Giants’ most-maligned unit could face more trouble than usual Sunday against the Chargers, potentially having to take the field without two starters.
Weston Richburg (concussion), who had started 26 straight games at center, has officially been ruled out, while guard John Jerry (hamstring) was a new addition to the injury report Friday, and is listed as questionable. Coach Ben McAdoo said that Jerry — who has started all 20 games over the past two seasons — felt tightness in the back of his hamstring during practice Thursday, though he was able to complete the session.
If Jerry is unable to play, Justin Pugh likely will move back to left guard — from right tackle last week — and D.J. Fluker would likely make his second straight start at right guard, with Bobby Hart at right tackle.
With Richburg out, Brett Jones will start at center, marking the fourth different line combination the Giants have used in their first five games.
“It’s exciting to get a chance to play center. I haven’t had as many opportunities there,” Jones said. “Each time you’re out there, it’s a chance to get better, and I think I’ve been able to do that.”
Though Jones, 26, has spent more time at guard in his two seasons with the Giants, McAdoo said he was pleased with his performance in place of Richburg, playing the final 22 snaps during the loss last week to the Buccaneers.
“[I have] a ton of confidence,” McAdoo said Friday. “Brett, he’s a pro. He prepares very well. He can play guard, he can play center for us, has a high IQ and a high football IQ and has some toughness.”
Another new line combination will be challenged against San Diego’s talented defensive front, featuring reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Month Melvin Ingram, and Joey Bosa, who have combined for eight sacks. Offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan is encouraged by the offensive line’s performances over the past two weeks, in which the Eagles and Bucs didn’t record a sack, after the Giants allowed five sacks against the Lions in Week 2.
“There has been some improvement from that respect,” Sullivan said. “From a run game standpoint, there is no doubt about it we got to get better.”
Though the Giants ran for a season-high 91 yards last week, the team still has just one rushing touchdown and ranks 31st in the league with 59.3 yards per game, running for 3.2 yards per carry.
“We got a long way to go, but we made some strides,” Sullivan said. “Across the board, there were more examples of effective runs, of runs that were close to double digit gains and others that might have been just two-three yards, but were blocked well … I think there was a few flashes and a few sparks and hopefully we can build upon that Sunday.”
It will only be tougher without continuity, for a unit that looks shorthanded even when healthy.
“I think guys who’ve had to play some different spots and move around have done a commendable job,” Sullivan said. “I think the big thing is the entire unit has responded well with this despite the setbacks, despite us not being where we want to be.”