Archived Thread

NFT: Mike Shanahan on line play

Hilary : 7/14/2024 12:58 pm

On one of the podcasts I listened to Mike Shanahan- former coach of the Broncos was reported to have said that the interior line play is much more important than the tackles. He said that you can scheme to protect your tackles, but you can't hide a poor guard or center.

I agree with this and as it relates to the Giants

I think the biggest problems the team has are? cb play, finding a tackles to play with Dex and O line depth.

I think that improvement in play of JMS (lowest pff of any starting center) is as important as improvement of Neal.

The giants may need to use more 12 than 11 formations with either Stoll or Manhertz protecting Neal.

We have not heard anything about Matt Nelson status coming off ankle surgery. It would be very good if he could be the swing tackle and allow Eleumonor to stay at guard giving the team a stable and solid group of interior lineman.

Theo Johnson

Hilary : 7/14/2024 1:02 pm : link

Perhaps Johnson can be the second tight end. He has better size and speed than Stoll and Manhertz but may not yet have their technique or toughness for blocking.

JMS has a big season ahead of him

JoeyBigBlue : 7/14/2024 1:09 pm : link

The Giants spent a big resource on him. He needs to show that the investment in him was worth the price.

RE: JMS has a big season ahead of him

Optimus-NY : 7/14/2024 1:17 pm : link

In comment 16553214 JoeyBigBlue said:

Quote:

The Giants spent a big resource on him. He needs to show that the investment in him was worth the price.

I’m afraid he will

Dave on the UWS : 7/14/2024 1:40 pm : link

bust. I never liked the pick. He had physical limitations AND he is older, anyone drafted they high should have a high ceiling. He doesn’t and last year he showed his “smarts” for the position aren’t enough. He may improve marginally but having a below average center, taken with a rd 2 pick is poor drafting.

Center (JMS) is a bigger key than RT this season and beyond

djm : 7/14/2024 2:00 pm : link

In my view. If JMS sucks we’re in trouble.

RE: I’m afraid he will

sb from NYT Forum : 7/14/2024 6:13 pm : link

In comment 16553231 Dave on the UWS said:

Quote:

He needs to play better for sure, but don't forget he was injured last year (missed nearly four games with a shoulder injury, who knows how healthy he was when he came back) and he had some god-awful guard play next to him.

Two things.. this is ABSOLUTELY a Football Thread

blueblood : 7/15/2024 8:25 am : link

First Thing:

Its Just not a Giants Thread. When I make these I make it a football thread and just put NGT in the subject line.

This is an excellent topic and should get more views and discussion.

Second Thing: Why do we as fans to this so often? Focus on ONE person on the offensive line as the issue on the LINE.. It's an offensive LINE. It requires pieces to work together as a unit. Interior line pressure is not just the center. Its the guards too. Everyone was so focused on Neal, that somehow they completely ignored that MOST of the FA OL they signed were INTERIOR guys..

The Giants biggest issues were pressure on the interior immediate after the snap, and they were terrible at picking up stunts and twists..

The Giants had horrible guard play last year and that affects the center position as well.

They need to become a cohesive LINE..

I've been saying that for years. the up the middle pressure is far

Victor in CT : 7/15/2024 9:01 am : link

more disruptive, Ask Tom Brady about SB 42 and 46. C is the most important in my opinion.

If the interior holds, the QB can step up if the tackles get beat.

Hoping

Dr. D : 7/15/2024 1:39 pm : link

JMS takes a big step forward and at the same time, the eagles find out they really miss Kelce.

A lot of people are assuming they're going to plug another guy in there and not miss a beat. That doesn't always happen. For the Giants, it rarely does.

JMS will be a fine

bc4life : 7/15/2024 8:29 pm : link

He was a rookie last year - played fairly well and got hurt. HTF can you start suggesting he'll bust after his rookie season.

I'd like to hear

bc4life : 7/15/2024 8:30 pm : link

that MS conversation.

RE: JMS will be a fine

Woodstock : 7/15/2024 9:14 pm : link

In comment 16553819 bc4life said:

Quote:

He was a rookie last year - played fairly well and got hurt. HTF can you start suggesting he'll bust after his rookie season.

Didn't he grade out as the worst center in the league?

It is premature to label either Neal or JMS

ColHowPepper : 7/16/2024 8:02 am : link

a bust, isn't it (heart in throat)? But, if by Schoen drafting the "consensus" no. 1 picks at OT (more or less) and C in consecutive years and having them both turn out to be sub par, that would be a scathing indictment of the entire scouting operation for OL and the new college personnel guys selected by Schoen. Would Bricilo have gone a different way in either or both cases?

Everyone wants to draft OL

Ten Ton Hammer : 7/16/2024 9:53 am : link

But nobody wants to tolerate players that arent instant successes.

Hammer

ColHowPepper : 7/16/2024 10:24 am : link

true, it can be and is frustrating. It's difficult putting up the glowing scouting reports on xyz players and see them under perform those floors. At the same time, there are innumerable examples of OL drafted a half round or two rounds (or day 3) below those top players come in and excel. So I get your point but there's no getting around canny scouting.