I think this coming season is going to be radically different (knock on wood) and I like what I'm seeing...especially in finally addressing QB protection
Since playing our last game of the season, the Giants have:
1) hired a new OL Coach (Carmen Bricillo) =D>
2) the very first players signed by Giants when Free Agency opened up, were the pick of the litter (G Jon Runyan 3-years, $30M) and (G/T Jermaine Eluemunor 2-years, &14M)
3) signed TE Jack Stoll and TE Chris Manhertz who both are known for their exceptional blocking skills. Manhertz has a 97.0 pass blocking rating according to PFF; and Stoll is the premier zone-blocking TE in the NFL (kind of a one-trick pony). They are not brought in to be receiving targets, but to assist the offensive line in run and pass blocking
4) brought in depth pieces for backup on the offensive line in Aaron Stinnie and LG/C/RG Austin Schlottmann
When considering the moves the Giants have made since the offseason began, it is obvious (to me anyway FWIW) that there are two areas they wanted to focus on early: Protecting the QB, and keeping their best (better) special teams players, judging by their quick signings of Carter Coughlin, Casey Kreiter, and Gunner Olszewski
And their trading for Brian Burns was a walk off game winning grand slam home run and should be a big upgrade in the defensive front
Ric,
I am scarred by more than a decade of bad offensive line play. So many of those years, I was convinced that they had finally fixed their O-line issues or, at the very least, got to a point where the O-line wasn't a liability. Then, every year, my hopes are shattered.
On paper Schoen seems to have put some resources into this line that should result in an upgrade. At the very least, they are not counting on Ezeudu to start or Neal to actually be able to be a starting NFL RT.
Still, JMS needs to play much better. If Neal doesn't play better at guard the interior is weak. Plus, if Eluemunor is the starting RT, who plays the critical swing tackle?
I think this line can be solid middle of the pack, but I am far from certain.
Nice write up Jolly! Rich mentioned there have been many times we thought we solved the o line fix in the off season and been disappointed. Once again, I love the upgrades on paper. It will be interesting to see where Neal fits
Bricillo is the X-factor. The success/failure of the offense this upcoming season will hinge on his coaching of the guys up front.
Quote from: T200 on March 18, 2024, 09:37:17 AMBricillo is the X-factor. The success/failure of the offense this upcoming season will hinge on his coaching of the guys up front.
I've thought that from day one. We've lacked high-end talent on the line, but even with some above average players, the coach didn't seem to be able to get them to work in sync. A changing of the coach could be the most significant move this team has made. I hope Bricillo is the real deal, and then I hope if he turns out to have the gift of turning crap into caviar, we pay him and keep him and keep other teams from poaching him
Quote from: Jolly Blue Giant on March 18, 2024, 09:45:50 AMI've thought that from day one. We've lacked high-end talent on the line, but even with some above average players, the coach didn't seem to be able to get them to work in sync. A changing of the coach could be the most significant move this team has made. I hope Bricillo is the real deal, and then I hope if he turns out to have the gift of turning crap into caviar, we pay him and keep him and keep other teams from poaching him
From what I have heard:
Bricillo has the ability to turn crap into something edible, or at least that is what he did with the Raiders.
I have also heard rumors that some players were less than happy with Bricillo (although Eluemunor raved about him). The Raiders let him walk, which you don't do with really good O-line coaches, but the Raiders haven't exactly been a stable, smart organization, so I am not sure how much stock I would put in that point.
Quote from: Jolly Blue Giant on March 18, 2024, 09:45:50 AMI've thought that from day one. We've lacked high-end talent on the line, but even with some above average players, the coach didn't seem to be able to get them to work in sync. A changing of the coach could be the most significant move this team has made. I hope Bricillo is the real deal, and then I hope if he turns out to have the gift of turning crap into caviar, we pay him and keep him and keep other teams from poaching him
My hopes for the season are squarely on his coaching and the production from the offensive line. I'm looking forward to a significant boost in pass protection and run blocking.
I would love to see Singletary outrush Saquon. :ok:
Quote from: T200 on March 18, 2024, 09:52:50 AMMy hopes for the season are squarely on his coaching and the production from the offensive line. I'm looking forward to a significant boost in pass protection and run blocking.
I would love to see Singletary outrush Saquon. :ok:
Ha, ha...wouldn't that be a hoot!
I love post season...hope rings eternal :goteam: :Giants:
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 18, 2024, 09:50:34 AMFrom what I have heard:
Bricillo has the ability to turn crap into something edible, or at least that is what he did with the Raiders.
I have also heard rumors that some players were less than happy with Bricillo (although Eluemunor raved about him). The Raiders let him walk, which you don't do with really good O-line coaches, but the Raiders haven't exactly been a stable, smart organization, so I am not sure how much stock I would put in that point.
That's going to be a key factor; having someone of Eluemenor's status who has bought in to Bricillo's system to help solidify the line and jumpstart the learning process.
Quote from: T200 on March 18, 2024, 09:58:28 AMThat's going to be a key factor; having someone of Eluemenor's status who has bought in to Bricillo's system to help solidify the line and jumpstart the learning process.
That coaching 101 for Bill Parcells. When he would take on a new team he would bring in a few veterans who were "his guys"
Quote from: T200 on March 18, 2024, 09:52:50 AMMy hopes for the season are squarely on his coaching and the production from the offensive line. I'm looking forward to a significant boost in pass protection and run blocking.
I would love to see Singletary outrush Saquon. :ok:
Over the weekend Patty Traina had a very interesting interview with Raiders beat writer Hondo Carpenter discussing this very subject. Perhaps the easiest interview she's ever done. If the things he said about Bricillo are true, fans are going to love him. For those who haven't seen this take the time and watch the interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCu9uwzqUmg
With all the free agent linemen now, who were on the roster last year, the turnover at the guard spot was inevitable. It remains to be seen where Eluemenor will be used, but he seems to be the new swing tackle who can play guard in a pinch. Some of the recent signings at Guard seem to be stop gaps just in case they don't get one they want in the draft. I see now they are also considering moving Neal to Guard.
Sometimes players are signed to fill holes and sometimes they are signed to plug a hole for a little while. I still think Safety, Guard, CB, and RB are near the top of the Giants' list of draft desires in Rounds 2-7, with WR and DT getting some consideration. No, I didn't forget QB. I just don't see a QB as an option now without reaching for McCarthy or settling for Pennix or Nix in Round 2.
I'm with Rich- I'm completely tuning out any noise regarding the OL. I simply can't get myself to care about hearing about who we've added, who we've lost, who may be moving spots, who we may or may not draft, who the new coach is, how great he's supposed to be, etc. I have zero expectations of our OL ever being good for the rest of my lifetime at this point (and I'm not all that old... :doh: ). I'll watch with my eyes once the season starts and we'll go from there.
Quote from: Sem on March 18, 2024, 10:18:34 AMOver the weekend Patty Traina had a very interesting interview with Raiders beat writer Hondo Carpenter discussing this very subject. Perhaps the easiest interview she's ever done. If the things he said about Bricillo are true, fans are going to love him. For those who haven't seen this take the time and watch the interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCu9uwzqUmg
Very good podcast/video
Has me extremely excited about Bricillo and Eluemunor
And I hate to admit it because I am the biggest DJ supporter that I know, but this guy made a convincing argument that the Giants might actually take a QB with their 6th spot, and I would be all for it
Quote from: PSUBeirut on March 18, 2024, 11:18:36 AMI'm with Rich- I'm completely tuning out any noise regarding the OL. I simply can't get myself to care about hearing about who we've added, who we've lost, who may be moving spots, who we may or may not draft, who the new coach is, how great he's supposed to be, etc. I have zero expectations of our OL ever being good for the rest of my lifetime at this point (and I'm not all that old... :doh: ). I'll watch with my eyes once the season starts and we'll go from there.
I think we all are a bit apprehensive, given the history of performance and the failed attempts to fix the offensive line. But what we, collectively, are acknowledging, which is not to be confused with popping the champagne just yet, that they are, as many of us have been saying since that opening day disaster, to make a concerted effort to fix the offensive line, once and for all, so that any semblance of offensive game plan can at least be executed from start to finish without having to go into mayday mode one second into the play. Schoen, Daboll and company have been doing that and we're collectively thankful they at least are doing something about it.
Whether or not the new coach and players will transition smoothly into Daboll's system remains to be seen and, to your point, we're with you on that point.
Peace!
for comparison here is the opening day depth chart for 2023
RT Evan Neal Matt Peart Marcus McKethan
RG Mark Glowinski Joshua Ezeudu
C John Michael Schmitz Jr.* Shane Lemieux
LG Ben Bredeson Shane Lemieux
LT Andrew Thomas Matt Peart
Here is the current depth chart
LT Thomas, Andrew * Miles, Joshua
LG STINNIE, AARON * Ezeudu, Joshua
C Schmitz Jr., John Michael * Schlottmann, Austin * Morrissey, Jimmy
RG Runyan, Jon * McKethan, Marcus * Mayfield, Jalen
RT Eluemunor, Jermaine * Neal, Evan * Cajuste, Yodny
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 18, 2024, 11:38:08 AMfor comparison here is the opening day depth chart for 2023
RT Evan Neal Matt Peart Marcus McKethan
RG Mark Glowinski Joshua Ezeudu
C John Michael Schmitz Jr.* Shane Lemieux
LG Ben Bredeson Shane Lemieux
LT Andrew Thomas Matt Peart
Here is the current depth chart
LT Thomas, Andrew * Miles, Joshua
LG STINNIE, AARON * Ezeudu, Joshua
C Schmitz Jr., John Michael * Schlottmann, Austin * Morrissey, Jimmy
RG Runyan, Jon * McKethan, Marcus * Mayfield, Jalen
RT Eluemunor, Jermaine * Neal, Evan * Cajuste, Yodny
I think Runyan might be starting LG and Eluemunor the starting RG. Of course, it all depends on what Bricillo wants to do. It will be sorted out in camp and early games
Pretty good interview with Runyan who's played more LG than RG
Quote from: Jolly Blue Giant on March 18, 2024, 09:45:50 AMI've thought that from day one. We've lacked high-end talent on the line, but even with some above average players, the coach didn't seem to be able to get them to work in sync. A changing of the coach could be the most significant move this team has made. I hope Bricillo is the real deal, and then I hope if he turns out to have the gift of turning crap into caviar, we pay him and keep him and keep other teams from poaching him
To Rich's point about 10 years of being scarred by 10 years of bad OL play, over that 10 years we've had a succession of coaches who came in as 'saviors', so I'm in the wait and see camp.