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New York Giants: O-line epitomizes toughness

By Ryan Disdier

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The New York Giants have a franchise quarterback, but who are the guys protecting the QB? Luckily for Eli Manning, his offensive line is as tough as they come

If the New York Giants fail to make the playoffs, perhaps the only thing that will save general manager Jerry Reese‘s job is the linemen he’s selected in the past three drafts (and that Odell Beckham Jr. guy).

The three players selected from those drafts are Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg and Ereck Flowers. Although the general perception of the Giants’ offensive line is that it’s consistently spotty, the issues rarely come from Richburg or Pugh.

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New York selected Richburg in the second round of the 2014 draft. And while his emergence pales in comparison to that of Odell Beckham Jr.’s, Richburg has becomes the most consistent member of the offensive line.

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He played his entire rookie year at guard, and while he struggled, it’s hard to find stability at guard when the center — J.D. Walton — is consistently getting blown back. This year, Richburg moved back to center, which is his natural position, and the Giants have greatly benefited.

He flies under the radar to most, but he was named to Pro Football Focus’ Pro Bowl Team, joining guys like Matt Kalil and Travis Frederick. It’s certainly lofty praise, albeit not unwarranted either.

Richburg is the quintessential Tom Coughlin-era offensive lineman. He wears his emotions on his sleeve, and he fights for his teammates. He’s a technician who using his leverage to overpower defensive linemen.

"Richburg"

Pugh was drafted in the first round of the 2013 draft, and he’s solidified himself as this generation’s David Diehl. He can play all along the offensive line, and that’s a luxury the Giants haven’t had since Diehl hung up his cleats.

The Syracuse alumnus played left tackle in college, started at right tackle during his rookie year, has played right guard from time-to-time, is currently the starting left guard and is the backup left tackle if anything happens to Flowers. Pugh as a proverbial Swiss Army knife, as he can do it all for the Giants and fill in anywhere in a pinch.

Like Richburg, Pugh has good technique, and while he isn’t the biggest guy on the line, he makes up for it with flat-out ruthless aggression. He has the speed to pull and get to the second level, where he does a good job sealing.

Pugh and Richburg hold the unit together. When they’re on, the offensive line as a whole plays well. However, when things aren’t going well — like in Philadelphia — it’s usually a long game. The duo’s importance was highlighted when the Giants lost in Washington, as both Pugh and Richburg were inactive.

The youngest starter on the offensive line is the mastodon from The U. Yes, Ereck Flowers has struggled in pass protection this year, but it’s important to remember he wasn’t supposed to start at left tackle this year. In fact, the Giants probably didn’t envision he would be protecting Eli Manning’s blind side for another few years.

Unfortunately, starting left tackle Will Beatty injured himself in the preseason, which forced Flowers into the role prematurely. His struggles aren’t a surprise, as he entered the league with tremendous size, but raw pass-blocking ability.

What the rookie lacks in flat-out ability he makes up for in toughness. Flowers is about as tough as a two-dollar steak, and that’s something that can’t be coached.

Flowers has been battling an ankle injury all year, and he re-aggravated the injury against Miami. When asked whether he would miss time because of the injury, the big man had a simple response.

“Nah, I’m going to play,” Flowers said, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ Advance Media.

While he’s not exactly outspoken with the media — what offensive lineman is? — Flowers has done a great job winning over his teammates and his coaches with his toughness. He’s got the savvy of a veteran player, too. In his very first game, he psyched out a Dallas defender and was able to draw a penalty.

Against Philly, Flowers was the guy trying to pump up his teammates when the unit was struggling. Like the aforementioned quote, Flowers had another short-and-sweet answer when asked why he spoke up, simply saying “because I want to win,” according to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.

The best thing about these guys is they’re just nasty and they simply don’t like their opponents. Coinciding with that, they also have their teammate’s back no matter what.

Against Miami, a defender hit Manning late and Pugh went right after him. No questions asked, no questions needed.

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This offensive line still has holes on it, but the left side consisting of Flowers, Pugh and Richburg invokes memories of the great units from 2007-2008. These guys are tough.

I’m certainly not insinuating this offensive line is problem-free, nor are they great. But if the Giants can find a way to sneak into the playoffs, the toughness of this offensive line is going to be something opposing teams won’t want to deal with.

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