If Brewer doesn't look too good in camp, why keep him around? There's sure to be another few offensive linemen to shake loose. It'd be easy to upgrade Brewer's performance, IMO.
Brewer has had enough opportunities. This should be his last chance to show that he can produce to his potential. Produce or move on so the Giants can try someone else.
While Snee's retirement would have little direct bearing on Brewer...
...it could help him indirectly by making Jerry or Mosley a starting guard. That would reduce the competition for one of the "versatile" backup spots - one that usually goes to a swing tackle or a lineman who can fill in at either tackle or guard. Brewer began 2013 in that role - before injuries made him a starter - and it's conceivable that he could reclaim it.
Mostly, he needs to play better; but thinner competition means more reps and more paths to the roster.
If he can get the backup snaps and show anything he maunder a chance to stick at least until Beatty is back.
This. Brewer makes it as a backup tackle or he's gone. And I think he's gone. But based on FA and the draft, we have enough guards. But Brewer just isn't that good. I think his problems are more mental than physical. He always seems a half a step behind the play. He either doesn't study enough, or can't learn the material. He just doesn't seem to know what he's doing much of the time.
If there's any hope, it's that Gilbride's offense was notoriously complicated. Brewer might have a chance in a less complicated offense. But this is his last chance.
RE: DTgiants: While I might discount Richburg at RG...
...I definitely wouldn't discount him at LG, with Schwartz moving over to replace Snee.
Just wondering if we'll now see Schwartz move or to RG. Was Jerry LG or RG?
Also, why would anyone assume Brewer is likely to make the team? They've reloaded across the entire OL:
LT: Beatty, Brown
LG: Schwartz, Mosley
C: Walton, Richburg
RG: Jerry?, Hermann
RT: Pugh, Brewer
I still think Brewer is battling for the 9th OL spot on the roster. And that could likely be decided by training camp/preseason injuries rather than play.
Guy Whimper, Jamon Meredith and Matt McCants are still in the NFL...
...and competing for playing time. I wouldn't be too quick to write off James Brewer. Backup offensive linemen are incredibly difficult to assess. They get limited snaps, and tend to play only in the most adverse circumstances, at positions where repetition and continuity are crucial.
Brewer has sucked, but his past suckage might mean less than we assume.
Incognito was a fixture at LG while Jerry was in Miami. When Incognito was suspended, Jerry remained at RG and various backups filled in at LG.
I'd like to see Schwartz at RG with an open competition at LG, because that would indicate that the staff thinks Mosley and/or Richburg could be ready to start. More likely, Schwartz will stay at LG and Jerry will take over from Snee.
Giants knew there was a good chance Snee would not play
Given that Snee has back and hip issues--both killers for an OL--and was unable to play most of last season, Reese and Co. obviously would have been grossly remiss if they had just penciled him in as the starter.
They knew that there was a very good chance of this happening. That's why they signed 3 interior OL and drafted another.
Schwartz has played RG and my guess is that he will play RG for the Giants. If Beatty is a question mark, then maybe they put the vet Schwartz at LG this year instead of the untested Mosely. But going forward, Schwartz is the RG and Mosely/Walton/Richburg the LG.
Brewer is gone unless he plays significantly better than Herman. Herman has the edge because he has two more low cost seasons before he becomes a RFA. So Brewer really has to outplay him by a decent margin to stick. Of course, there are always injuries. If Walton or Jerry can't go, Brewer is the fall back option.
Putting that altogether, I'd say there is a 50% chance he is a Giant this year.
Interior sucked ass last year. If possible you have Brown Pugh and Brewer at T and only need Schwartz at tackle if thread and emergency.
Because a guy can play a position doesn't mean he should. Brewer should have been left at tackle at preseason last year. Dude is a tackle. Maybe he won't ever be an NFL one but more snaps at RT would at least let the Giants know a lot more at this point. I'm not saying they'd move Pugh to the left but might have been an option if Beatty is delayed or worse if he plays like last year which is certainly possible.
Oipolloi: It puzzles me that Herman would be an RFA in 2016.
He didn't earn a credited season in 2013, and he's making the rookie minimum in 2014. I know Spotrac shows him as a 2016 RFA, but I don't get why that would be.
It seems to me that Herman is on the same path as Larry Donnell, but one year behind him. After spending 2012 on the practice squad, Donnell earned his first accrued season in 2013. He will be an ERFA in 2015, and an RFA in 2016.
LauderdaleMatty: Nobody suggested moving Schwartz to tackle.
Oipolloi was just noting that one reason to put Schwartz at LG is that you might want the stronger guard (Schwartz) next to the weaker tackle (presumed to be Beatty).
he's terrible and can only play Center (badly, too). With Walton and Richburg able to play C, IMO we don't need a 3d player to play C, if that's all he can play.
We have Schwartz, Jerry, Moseley and Richburg to play G. Therefore, I think we have enough players at that position.
The key to the OL IMO is T. Pugh developed into a good RT but, God forbid, what happens if he gets hurt? Beatty was hurt in 2013 but played badly before being hurt So, which Beatty will we see- the 2012 version or 2013?
So, I think we should focus on Charles Brown, James Brewer, Demarcus Love and Troy Kropog to see if any of them can seize the opportunity presented to them and play T at the NFL-level.
David Brown playing bocci ball at qb, looking for all the world like an old man at Bay 8th. St in bklyn.
The Wisconsin running back looking for a soft spot to lay down in....."soft but not too muddy, would be soooo, oh you know, super duper?".
The polite James Brewer making sure he doesn't get in a defensive players way.
. Well excuse me! It's not like I was trying to get in your way. The nerve of some people around here, put a helmet on them and this is what you get".
RE: LauderdaleMatty: Nobody suggested moving Schwartz to tackle.
Oipolloi was just noting that one reason to put Schwartz at LG is that you might want the stronger guard (Schwartz) next to the weaker tackle (presumed to be Beatty).
I've heard it on a few occations that he can play tackle. And even heard it suggested a couple of times. I saw that. Not a bad idea IMO because I have made not clear I am not a Beatty fan and even at 100% I think he needs help vs the better pass rushers.
RE: Brewer was probably the worst OL in the NFL last year
And yes, it's still possible we could add another body prior to start of season.
Brewer won't be given a roster spot. If he makes the team it will be because he was one of the best 8 or 9.
Mostly, he needs to play better; but thinner competition means more reps and more paths to the roster.
This. Brewer makes it as a backup tackle or he's gone. And I think he's gone. But based on FA and the draft, we have enough guards. But Brewer just isn't that good. I think his problems are more mental than physical. He always seems a half a step behind the play. He either doesn't study enough, or can't learn the material. He just doesn't seem to know what he's doing much of the time.
If there's any hope, it's that Gilbride's offense was notoriously complicated. Brewer might have a chance in a less complicated offense. But this is his last chance.
Just wondering if we'll now see Schwartz move or to RG. Was Jerry LG or RG?
Also, why would anyone assume Brewer is likely to make the team? They've reloaded across the entire OL:
LT: Beatty, Brown
LG: Schwartz, Mosley
C: Walton, Richburg
RG: Jerry?, Hermann
RT: Pugh, Brewer
I still think Brewer is battling for the 9th OL spot on the roster. And that could likely be decided by training camp/preseason injuries rather than play.
Brewer has sucked, but his past suckage might mean less than we assume.
I'd like to see Schwartz at RG with an open competition at LG, because that would indicate that the staff thinks Mosley and/or Richburg could be ready to start. More likely, Schwartz will stay at LG and Jerry will take over from Snee.
They knew that there was a very good chance of this happening. That's why they signed 3 interior OL and drafted another.
Schwartz has played RG and my guess is that he will play RG for the Giants. If Beatty is a question mark, then maybe they put the vet Schwartz at LG this year instead of the untested Mosely. But going forward, Schwartz is the RG and Mosely/Walton/Richburg the LG.
Brewer is gone unless he plays significantly better than Herman. Herman has the edge because he has two more low cost seasons before he becomes a RFA. So Brewer really has to outplay him by a decent margin to stick. Of course, there are always injuries. If Walton or Jerry can't go, Brewer is the fall back option.
Putting that altogether, I'd say there is a 50% chance he is a Giant this year.
Because a guy can play a position doesn't mean he should. Brewer should have been left at tackle at preseason last year. Dude is a tackle. Maybe he won't ever be an NFL one but more snaps at RT would at least let the Giants know a lot more at this point. I'm not saying they'd move Pugh to the left but might have been an option if Beatty is delayed or worse if he plays like last year which is certainly possible.
It seems to me that Herman is on the same path as Larry Donnell, but one year behind him. After spending 2012 on the practice squad, Donnell earned his first accrued season in 2013. He will be an ERFA in 2015, and an RFA in 2016.
No chance Hermann makes the active roster at all.
Brewer is terrible but his only saving grace is that he plays RT too, which they can use a backup at.
We have Schwartz, Jerry, Moseley and Richburg to play G. Therefore, I think we have enough players at that position.
The key to the OL IMO is T. Pugh developed into a good RT but, God forbid, what happens if he gets hurt? Beatty was hurt in 2013 but played badly before being hurt So, which Beatty will we see- the 2012 version or 2013?
So, I think we should focus on Charles Brown, James Brewer, Demarcus Love and Troy Kropog to see if any of them can seize the opportunity presented to them and play T at the NFL-level.
He needs to be cut, and if we are lucky someone in the NFC East will pick him up.
The Wisconsin running back looking for a soft spot to lay down in....."soft but not too muddy, would be soooo, oh you know, super duper?".
The polite James Brewer making sure he doesn't get in a defensive players way.
. Well excuse me! It's not like I was trying to get in your way. The nerve of some people around here, put a helmet on them and this is what you get".
I've heard it on a few occations that he can play tackle. And even heard it suggested a couple of times. I saw that. Not a bad idea IMO because I have made not clear I am not a Beatty fan and even at 100% I think he needs help vs the better pass rushers.
Oh the pain...