Michael Lombardi: How to Evaluate the NFL Preseason

[MightyGiants]

Former NFL GM Michael Lombardi explains how you can properly evaluate the NFL preseason.

https://vsin.com/nfl/michael-lombardi-how-to-evaluate-the-nfl-preseason/

[kartanoman]

Thanks Rich @MightyGiants !

Why is it not surprising that Mike jumped on the Giants as his prime example of his #2 what to watch in the pre-season. As I have listed multiple times, it is also #1 on my criteria (NOTE: as it is many here in this forum), he tells us to watch the performance of the offensive line during the pre-season. As the drum beats ad-nauseum here for the Giants to "Fix the damn O-Line, once and for all," Mike pulls out his sword and proceeds to dissect how the Giants' best laid plans are already all for naught.

It remains to be seen how it all will play out but even the most optimistic of us are taking a "let's wait and see" approach which is undoubtedly the smart thing to do.

If there is any glimmer of hope, it may have occurred during the scrimmage sessions with the Lions this week and the form reversal from last season. Whether that translates into performance on the field remains to be seen. But it is at least encouraging the team is spirited and coming out fighting which, in deference to opponents who may be better than them in talent and experience, might give them a puncher's chance in games this season. It will all come down to my #3, "Improving the Lost Man-Games Due to Injury" metric which could be the difference in winning or losing the close games.

For the record, I have no issue with Mike's article; however, the onus remains on the Giants to prove they've fixed the O-Line, narrowed the gap between them and their division rivals and finish the year healthier than they have over the last decade or so (i.e. tangible improvement via the metric).

Peace!

[Bob In PA]

the onus remains on the Giants to prove they've fixed the O-Line

k-man: Lombardi ticks me off (mostly) but I fear he's right about the OL.

There's a ton of evidence supporting his views.  All I have at this point is hope (a wing and a prayer).

Nevertheless, I haven't given up hope and believe the positive effects of the new OL coach are still in the early stage. We won't really know until after about the first four real games.

Bob