I know it's been discussed before but here is what I'm hoping is happening. Flowers is coming into his own on the left side and playing well for a rookie with an ankle injury. I would not move him and risk a hiccup in his development. Beatty is obviously still recovering from his pectoral tear and I believe week 9 is the soonest we may see him. I'm not sure if the current temp IR rules allow him to work with coaches at the facility, but I would have him working every day between now and week 9 with someone who can teach him to adapt his skills to play RT. I'm sure he is still capable of running foot work drills and hand placement drills while he recovers from the surgery.
Having him ready to take over for Newhouse in week 9 would potentially solidify this line in time for a playoff run if were still in it. If not allowed to do it at Quest, set him up with some reliable outside coach to get a head start on the switch.
I would leave EF at RT, and find out if WB has any utility at RT. They've stated EF is the future at LT, it makes less sense to me to move him mid-season unless you believe WB will be here beyond 2015.
But, I can see them putting Beatty at LT and maybe benching Flowers.
Of course I never played OT, but how much of a disruption, or learning process, etc to move from one side to another and never having to play both sides? footwork, techn, etc. Just concerned of Flowers getting on track and staying in his, I assume, his natural position. Plus, OL is playing well now as a group too.
Changing sides, you never really know, these guys aren't rocket scientists. Some can move without a blip, many seem to struggle with having to change all your techniques, footwork, understanding play responsibilities, etc.
I just don't see how the team messes with an OL that is growing in cohesion, chemistry, and confidence. Why mess with success they've put together so far? And this goes to the next point:
[Doomster:] "but if Newhouse is playing ok, I wouldn't hurry Beatty back...." This is true, if Newhouse is holding the fort. But the PFF report earlier this week, fwiw, had Schwartz grading out best and Newhouse worst along the OL, and that's with a hobbled Flowers.
It was interesting, however, to me during Bills game, when the Giants' running game was having its best runs, during Q2 and Q3, it was up the middle but off Schwartz, to the right side not the left.
And JonC makes the point necessary of consideration: Plan A was to have WB at LT and EF at RT, but that's in the distant past. I just can't see changing up both tackle positions if/when WB comes back. Let McAdoo adjust some of the play designs to that side to take advantage of WB's skills and mitigate his weaknesses, i.e., as a power blocker.
He's pretty much the most over rated Giant on this team for the last 10-15 years. Never seen an OL get 4 called holding penalties in a game and have people say it was a good thing because at least he didn't get the QB killed. He's a JAG at LT. He's certainly not a great run blocker.
The main question is how well is the OL playing when he's ready. If the team is firmly in the playoff chase and Flowers is playing well it's a ballsy move to switch guys around if that's the case.
I don't think Flowers will be a right tackle this year. He hasn't even practiced one snap there, even in pre-season. They won't screw with his mechanics IMO. Beatty will probably be worked in at RT with Newhouse as the swing guy.
I don't see the benefit in rushing him off the team- otherwise we're in the same boat looking for a T this offseason all over again, from a [hope] worse draft position [/hope].
I agree that it will depend heavily on whether or not we look primed for a late season run come week 7.
I'd guess if one of them had to play RT at the NFL level, Beatty would be able to learn it faster having a lot more Oline experience.
I think moving Flowers would be a mistake. See if Beatty can challenge the current Oline's weakest link for a starting role.
A lot of us would and I think the Giants will.
I don't necessarily agree that his draft position will dictate where he plays- just look at Pugh.
The weakest link in the OL so far has been Schwartz. Newhouse has been better than expected at RT but Beatty at RT will definitely be an upgrade. And I think Beatty can handle being back at RT.
Beaty to RT or Situational.
From what I've learned from the many years of watching pro football, is that probably more than any group on the field, is that the O-line is the more integrated, dependent and complimentary of all ....
LT Beatty went from being just all-right to very good (when Kevin Boothe was playing LG), to absolutely terrible when Boothe left ...
In the same way, Schwartz (a very good to outstanding RG) is just good playing next to Newhouse.
If Beatty gets a chance to play next to Schwartz, I think you'll see the level of play from both men increase significantly.
The dead money might be too big a hit if he's cut in 2016. After 2016 the hit might not be so big.
As far as next year is concerned, I would just keep Beatty, even if we are overpaying him. He's a starting caliber LT if anything happens to Flowers, and provides excellent OL depth. People here have been screaming about the lack of OL depth for years, but now want to trade or cut the one guy who gives it to us. We also have the cap room. Using some of that room to keep that depth, especially after giving Eli $84M, is an excellent investment.
As a true freshman at the University of Miami in 2012, Flowers played in all 12 games at right tackle, making four starts.
Might be rusty but, has some college experience on the right side.
I am not saying Beatty should get the OLT job back from Flowers...but he should easily supplant Newhouse unless Newhouse significantly picks up his game from what he's done the 1st quarter.
I am not saying Beatty should get the OLT job back from Flowers...but he should easily supplant Newhouse unless Newhouse significantly picks up his game from what he's done the 1st quarter.
this could very well happen, especially with Beatty's high dollar contract...
Quote:
Flowers at LT would be a good time to do it, imv.
Do not think that TC would put president ahead of what is clearly best for the team. He wants to win now, and will base his decision on that primarily. First and foremost MO.
You assume something that TC may not agree withe...