Cover 3: Takeaways from starters’ first extensive action

Matt Citak: Several things stood out to me during Saturday’s game in Houston, but perhaps the most significant one was team’s pass protection. We know how much the offensive line struggled last season, but general manager Joe Schoen prioritized the trenches this offseason, starting with the addition of position coach Carmen Bricillo. While we are only two preseason games in, the early results show that the investment is paying off.

The Giants were credited with just six total pressures allowed all night, according to Pro Football Focus, only one of which resulted in a sack. This performance came despite the fact that guard Jon Runyan Jr. did not suit up and center John Michael Schmitz played limited snaps. Left tackle Andrew Thomas, right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, right guard Greg Van Roten and left guard Aaron Stinnie were all on the field for 21 pass blocking snaps and did not surrender a single pressure. The same goes for Schmitz and Austin Schlottmann, who combined for 37 pass blocking snaps. More important than the raw stats, it was clear to see how in sync the line was all game with their communication, picking up stunts from the Texans’ pass rush. Throughout the first half, quarterback Daniel Jones had plenty of time to operate and move around the pocket, something he did not have during his six games last year. This gave Jones time to wait for plays to unfold before pushing the ball downfield, as John discussed.

“They continue to improve,” coach Brian Daboll told the media Sunday. “I’d say we’ve added good pieces in terms of the veterans that we’ve added. Communication, it was good to get John Michael back out there so he could work with some of the guys. Veterans that care, that are smart, that are tough, that have played the game, that are all on the same page. That’s what it requires to be an improved, good offensive line is making sure five guys are playing as one, seeing it through the same set of eyes.”

A healthy Thomas at left tackle is easily the most significant change from last year’s line. But the additions of Eluemunor, Van Roten, Stinnie, Schlottmann, and Runyan when he gets back on the field, should go a long way in helping this unit improve greatly from 2023. And let’s not forget Bricillo, whose fingerprints are all over the early success of this revamped line.