Ralph Vacchiano
@RVacchianoSNY
Giants elevate C Matt Skura from the practice squad for tonight’s game — a possible indication that Nick Gates will move to guard with Shane Lemieux out.
the Giants need another OL with Lemiuex out, regardless of whether they have Bredeson start in his place, or move another player.
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
will work their way into keeping the starting C role. You got to love Gates' enthusiasm, but not sure where he's best suited to play on NFL OL yet.
I agree with you Jon. he reminds me (Gates that is) of early on David Diehl. A later round pick who was a T/G and the Gianst played him at both, moved him around and were supposedly constantly looking to upgrade but he was versatile and nasty. he was kicked out to tackle in a moment of need and did well enough there that suddenly he was the new LT (after being a pretty decent guard).
I think Gates moving might solve a problem elsewhere (G) and allowing us to keep the same level of Center play with Skura or Price.
be re-signed by the Ravens. They lost an IOL, Tyre Phillips, on Monday. He was IR'ed on Tuesday but it looks like they already made corresponding transactions to take the open roster spot.
the Giants need another OL with Lemiuex out, regardless of whether they have Bredeson start in his place, or move another player.
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
Nobody knows for sure. But the beats were hinting this week that Gates to guard was a real possibility based on what they were seeing in practice. They aren’t allowed to come out and say it, but there were hints all over the place.
it was speculated he would be signed to the active roster after 1 week. He has enough experience under his belt that he would likely be signed off the practice squad with inevitable injuries.
the Giants need another OL with Lemiuex out, regardless of whether they have Bredeson start in his place, or move another player.
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
Nobody knows for sure. But the beats were hinting this week that Gates to guard was a real possibility based on what they were seeing in practice. They aren’t allowed to come out and say it, but there were hints all over the place.
Yes, and I don't believe Gates getting reps at guard necessarily indicates that they plan to start Gates at guard. If he is remaining at starting C, if one of the guards get injured, Gates is likely the backup, with Price or Skura at C
That is small thinking. If he can be a better guard and we can still get decent play at Center then Guard (which is a huge need for us) is the best option.
Bruce Matthew- an all-time great, was used at G, T and C.. Nobody ever said he was too good at T to be moved to guard in a time or need or Center when the need arose again.
RG and RT before moving to C. I doubt this move is made in a vacuum. Could be Lemieux to IR; could be Gates to RG and WH is benched; doubt the pull Peart/Solder, yet.
Not sure if one and a half weeks is enough time for Skura and Jones to mesh..
a lunch pail OL. Put him somewhere and he will get the job done.
They added a lot of OL the last couple weeks. Coach Sale is sorting it out but they will get the best overall OL on the field. I think they need to see players in a game setting as practice is very limited with the CBA. It may take a couple weeks.
Mate of a shaky QB is not going to help anything. Price and Skura can play OG just as easily as Gates can. The QB OC relationship is way more important than anyone gives credence to, it's not just snapping the ball, it's understanding and recognizing fronts and assignment changes and agreeing on them pre snap. That takes time, and without Skura or Price getting first team reps that's not going to just happen. If practices show that either is taking first team reps then yes it's a move in that direction, but you don't erase a strength because...reasons.
Mate of a shaky QB is not going to help anything. Price and Skura can play OG just as easily as Gates can. The QB OC relationship is way more important than anyone gives credence to, it's not just snapping the ball, it's understanding and recognizing fronts and assignment changes and agreeing on them pre snap. That takes time, and without Skura or Price getting first team reps that's not going to just happen. If practices show that either is taking first team reps then yes it's a move in that direction, but you don't erase a strength because...reasons.
How do you know they didnt get first team reps? Beats are not allowed to report on that stuff but all of them dropped hints that is was going to happen
the Giants need another OL with Lemiuex out, regardless of whether they have Bredeson start in his place, or move another player.
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
Agreed. It is highly unlikely they would move Gates and insert Skura at center with only two days of practice. Is Skura a better center than Bredeson is a guard? Not likely. How much better would Gates be at guard than Bredeson after two days of practice, if at all? How much MORE conservative would the play calling be with two guys in new positions on the OL?
most likely scenario seems to be Lemieux to IR. Skura is a backup C, but Gates stays there absent an injury. As others have said, I don't see them moving Gates to guard given that he's done well at C and Skura has only been here for a few weeks.
That is small thinking. If he can be a better guard and we can still get decent play at Center then Guard (which is a huge need for us) is the best option.
Bruce Matthew- an all-time great, was used at G, T and C.. Nobody ever said he was too good at T to be moved to guard in a time or need or Center when the need arose again.
Comparing Gates to a HOF lineman isn't really clear thinking is it?
Besides there was a reason the guy you want to put at C was available. If I recall he couldn't snap the ball very well.
RE: RE: that is simply speculation on Ralph's part
the Giants need another OL with Lemiuex out, regardless of whether they have Bredeson start in his place, or move another player.
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
Agreed. It is highly unlikely they would move Gates and insert Skura at center with only two days of practice. Is Skura a better center than Bredeson is a guard? Not likely. How much better would Gates be at guard than Bredeson after two days of practice, if at all? How much MORE conservative would the play calling be with two guys in new positions on the OL?
I would imagine Price gets the first shot at C. But I dont think you make that move tonight unless someone else goes down.
Judge has been roating all the linemen since he has been here but I dont think anyone rotated in at C.
What is the background on Skura?. Was he a starter for SF?
He is a solid anchor on the OL. Why weaken that position by moving Gates to OG?
With respect to this weeks OL starters I would start Peart at RT as Solder is not a viable solution at RT. Replace Lemieux with Bredeson at LG and hope WH plays better this week at RG.
Go Giants!!!
Jones and Gates have been together for 2 years. Continuity between those two positions is critical for line calls etc.
You don't make that change unless it is absolutely necessary.
in 2020, "In Week 10 against the New England Patriots, Skura's snaps led to three botched quarterback-center exchanges during the 23–17 loss.[14] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 25, 2020,[15] and activated on December 4.[16]"
I am guessing he has a good working relationship with Jones being from Duke. He made it from being an undrafted FA to starter with the Ravens before a knee injury so this guy has his head on straight.
RE: RE: that is simply speculation on Ralph's part
the Giants need another OL with Lemiuex out, regardless of whether they have Bredeson start in his place, or move another player.
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
Nobody knows for sure. But the beats were hinting this week that Gates to guard was a real possibility based on what they were seeing in practice. They aren’t allowed to come out and say it, but there were hints all over the place.
The next time the beats provide "breaking" info (via hints) will be the first time in a long time. I don't think they have any idea what's going on with the team.
in 2020, "In Week 10 against the New England Patriots, Skura's snaps led to three botched quarterback-center exchanges during the 23–17 loss.[14] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 25, 2020,[15] and activated on December 4.[16]"
I am guessing he has a good working relationship with Jones being from Duke. He made it from being an undrafted FA to starter with the Ravens before a knee injury so this guy has his head on straight.
Ralph Vacchiano
✔
@RVacchianoSNY
Actually, Matt Skura may be signing to the 53-man roster (not just a practice squad elevation), which would mean ... maybe G Shane Lemieux to IR? Another move would be coming with it.
RE: RE: RE: that is simply speculation on Ralph's part
The next time the beats provide "breaking" info (via hints) will be the first time in a long time. I don't think they have any idea what's going on with the team.
Agree. Do people think the coaches are going to give the beats their game plan so that they can blab about on their social media pages? The beats don't know much more than the guy sitting on his couch.
Small sample size, but like what I saw from Bredeson
I believe Gates is becoming a Great Center---That's a keystone to a solid line. The QB exchange is a very big deal as well--whether it's shotgun or snap. In any sport, move 1 player instead of 2....move 2 players instead of 3---this is all very basic.
I think people are reading to much into this move. It was written when he was signed to the PS that Skura would not be on the opening day roster because that would guarantee his salary for the full year (or something like that). He apparently agreed to the PS for the 1st game but it seemed like he was going on the 53 roster afterwards
will work their way into keeping the starting C role. You got to love Gates' enthusiasm, but not sure where he's best suited to play on NFL OL yet.
I really hope so. It was just one game but I think Bredeson played very well especially considering that he is new to the offense. I was a big fan of Bredeson in the draft and hopefully he solidifies himself as the starting LG moving forward.
I might be wrong but from reading your posts you often suggest that Gates might be a better fit at guard. It's obvious that Lemieux is headed for IR and if Hernandez continues to play like he did week one the Giants are in big trouble at guard.
The loss of Lemieux complicates things because Bredeson could be a capable answer at one spot but now the Giants might be forced to move Gates to RG while hoping that Price or Skura play well in the middle.
most likely scenario seems to be Lemieux to IR. Skura is a backup C, but Gates stays there absent an injury. As others have said, I don't see them moving Gates to guard given that he's done well at C and Skura has only been here for a few weeks.
I'm not certain but it seems Gates has played best at C, which doesn't necessarily mean he's set as the starter. He's still working through some stuff with live bullets flying, and needs to get stronger. The collective OL project is still under construction, andI think you've got every position up for grabs except LT.
but Gates was moved to C because he wasn't great at RT.
RT could well not be on the roster yet, sorry to Peart fans.
we absolutely should be playing peart at RT over Solder.
yea, Peart isn't there right now and may never be good. but solder has been garbage every year since he's been here and its really obvious he's only here for the money right now. the guy is getting embarrassed.
Could be the Giants are moving Gates to guard, Price to center
has turned into a top ten Center. Based on how long he has played Center. He might move up into top 5 Center. I would like to see him stay at Center. Hopefully Peart has taken snaps at Guard a long with some of the others. Find a Guard replacement from one of the group but leave Gates at Center
Might be what we see....as Hernandez was supposedly a disaster at RG and probably Gates best position. Bredeson held his own.....and Thomas had a great game. Peart did better than Solder but both need improvement. No outside of organization knows what Price or Skura brings to table....
All risky on a short week....but desperate times drives desperate measures.
Think eventually we will see skura and price sharing center
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
I agree with you Jon. he reminds me (Gates that is) of early on David Diehl. A later round pick who was a T/G and the Gianst played him at both, moved him around and were supposedly constantly looking to upgrade but he was versatile and nasty. he was kicked out to tackle in a moment of need and did well enough there that suddenly he was the new LT (after being a pretty decent guard).
I think Gates moving might solve a problem elsewhere (G) and allowing us to keep the same level of Center play with Skura or Price.
The statement made by his agency really looked like he was fully brought up meaning a corresponding move will have to take place (Lemieux to IR?).
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
Nobody knows for sure. But the beats were hinting this week that Gates to guard was a real possibility based on what they were seeing in practice. They aren’t allowed to come out and say it, but there were hints all over the place.
And now near the top of the NFL for C (week 1)
Not sure moving him is the best idea
Quote:
the Giants need another OL with Lemiuex out, regardless of whether they have Bredeson start in his place, or move another player.
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
Nobody knows for sure. But the beats were hinting this week that Gates to guard was a real possibility based on what they were seeing in practice. They aren’t allowed to come out and say it, but there were hints all over the place.
Yes, and I don't believe Gates getting reps at guard necessarily indicates that they plan to start Gates at guard. If he is remaining at starting C, if one of the guards get injured, Gates is likely the backup, with Price or Skura at C
And now near the top of the NFL for C (week 1)
Not sure moving him is the best idea
That is small thinking. If he can be a better guard and we can still get decent play at Center then Guard (which is a huge need for us) is the best option.
Bruce Matthew- an all-time great, was used at G, T and C.. Nobody ever said he was too good at T to be moved to guard in a time or need or Center when the need arose again.
Not sure if one and a half weeks is enough time for Skura and Jones to mesh..
They added a lot of OL the last couple weeks. Coach Sale is sorting it out but they will get the best overall OL on the field. I think they need to see players in a game setting as practice is very limited with the CBA. It may take a couple weeks.
How do you know they didnt get first team reps? Beats are not allowed to report on that stuff but all of them dropped hints that is was going to happen
It's like drawing when you have two picture cards
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
Agreed. It is highly unlikely they would move Gates and insert Skura at center with only two days of practice. Is Skura a better center than Bredeson is a guard? Not likely. How much better would Gates be at guard than Bredeson after two days of practice, if at all? How much MORE conservative would the play calling be with two guys in new positions on the OL?
I think the starting OL will be:
Thomas.
Bredeson.
Gates.
Hernandez.
Solder.
I'd much rather see Peart as the starter.
Quote:
Our best OL since mid-year last year
And now near the top of the NFL for C (week 1)
Not sure moving him is the best idea
That is small thinking. If he can be a better guard and we can still get decent play at Center then Guard (which is a huge need for us) is the best option.
Bruce Matthew- an all-time great, was used at G, T and C.. Nobody ever said he was too good at T to be moved to guard in a time or need or Center when the need arose again.
Comparing Gates to a HOF lineman isn't really clear thinking is it?
Besides there was a reason the guy you want to put at C was available. If I recall he couldn't snap the ball very well.
Quote:
the Giants need another OL with Lemiuex out, regardless of whether they have Bredeson start in his place, or move another player.
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
Agreed. It is highly unlikely they would move Gates and insert Skura at center with only two days of practice. Is Skura a better center than Bredeson is a guard? Not likely. How much better would Gates be at guard than Bredeson after two days of practice, if at all? How much MORE conservative would the play calling be with two guys in new positions on the OL?
I would imagine Price gets the first shot at C. But I dont think you make that move tonight unless someone else goes down.
Judge has been roating all the linemen since he has been here but I dont think anyone rotated in at C.
With respect to this weeks OL starters I would start Peart at RT as Solder is not a viable solution at RT. Replace Lemieux with Bredeson at LG and hope WH plays better this week at RG.
Go Giants!!!
You don't make that change unless it is absolutely necessary.
I am guessing he has a good working relationship with Jones being from Duke. He made it from being an undrafted FA to starter with the Ravens before a knee injury so this guy has his head on straight.
Quote:
the Giants need another OL with Lemiuex out, regardless of whether they have Bredeson start in his place, or move another player.
I'm sure Gates has been practicing at G regardless (no pun intended). If there is another injury at G, Gates could move over. But I don't think you can conclude that Skura will start and Gates will move over simply from him being activated.
Nobody knows for sure. But the beats were hinting this week that Gates to guard was a real possibility based on what they were seeing in practice. They aren’t allowed to come out and say it, but there were hints all over the place.
The next time the beats provide "breaking" info (via hints) will be the first time in a long time. I don't think they have any idea what's going on with the team.
I am guessing he has a good working relationship with Jones being from Duke. He made it from being an undrafted FA to starter with the Ravens before a knee injury so this guy has his head on straight.
Supposedly they weren’t at Duke together…
✔
@RVacchianoSNY
Actually, Matt Skura may be signing to the 53-man roster (not just a practice squad elevation), which would mean ... maybe G Shane Lemieux to IR? Another move would be coming with it.
Agree. Do people think the coaches are going to give the beats their game plan so that they can blab about on their social media pages? The beats don't know much more than the guy sitting on his couch.
Gates is serviceable at C, but when your OL is not remotely set in stone you've got to find the best combo of five to move forward.
Is coming from the direction of Right Tackle.
Desperate times call for desperate measures; would not be surprised to see Gates go over there to contain the bleeding.
the key is to not downgrade one position to slightly improve another.
i really hope we got the guys we need to run garretts SHIT OFFENSE
I really hope so. It was just one game but I think Bredeson played very well especially considering that he is new to the offense. I was a big fan of Bredeson in the draft and hopefully he solidifies himself as the starting LG moving forward.
I might be wrong but from reading your posts you often suggest that Gates might be a better fit at guard. It's obvious that Lemieux is headed for IR and if Hernandez continues to play like he did week one the Giants are in big trouble at guard.
The loss of Lemieux complicates things because Bredeson could be a capable answer at one spot but now the Giants might be forced to move Gates to RG while hoping that Price or Skura play well in the middle.
I think the starting OL will be:
Thomas.
Bredeson.
Gates.
Hernandez.
Solder.
I'd much rather see Peart as the starter.
W.H. weak link in a rusty chain.
RT could well not be on the roster yet, sorry to Peart fans.
Skura wasn't drafted. He went undrafted and signed as a free agent.
RT could well not be on the roster yet, sorry to Peart fans.
we absolutely should be playing peart at RT over Solder.
yea, Peart isn't there right now and may never be good. but solder has been garbage every year since he's been here and its really obvious he's only here for the money right now. the guy is getting embarrassed.
I keep referencing that line but remember the major shifts made in season that year.
LT- Roberts and Elliott
LG was Ard and C was oates all year
RG- D. Johnson and Eric Moore
RT- K. Nelson, J. Elliott and D. Riesenberg
I think we will move people as needed until the right combo is found.
Don’t be disillusioned by the trade the Giants made with the Bengals.
Might be what we see....as Hernandez was supposedly a disaster at RG and probably Gates best position. Bredeson held his own.....and Thomas had a great game. Peart did better than Solder but both need improvement. No outside of organization knows what Price or Skura brings to table....
All risky on a short week....but desperate times drives desperate measures.
May wind up being best combo.
Will H may be riding the pine if he doesn’t show more, soon