New York Giants: No saving the offensive line

The New York Giants offensive line may have been worse than advertised versus the Dallas Cowboys, and that’s downright terrifying.

One should never overreact after the first week of an NFL season. For the most part, teams that had to suffer through four meaningless and worthless preseason games aren’t where they will be come the heart of the fall months. Granted, every loss counts the same in the standings, but a defeat on Sept. 10 stings far less than one that occurs immediately before or after the holiday season when clubs are pursuing playoff berths and division titles.

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Still, one cannot blame any fan of the New York Giants for feeling unenthused by the team’s lackluster play against the Dallas Cowboys in Sunday night’s season opener. Particularly, New York’s offense was lifeless with superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. sidelined because of an ankle injury. Granted, Beckham will return, perhaps as quickly as next Monday night. But he alone can’t erase the biggest problem that has plagued the Giants for over a year.

This past offseason, New York general manager Jerry Reese chose to ignore the holes in the squad’s offensive line. Reese, instead, elected to keep faith in much-maligned left tackle Ereck Flowers and others who routinely failed quarterback Eli Manning a season ago. That decision was condemned by analysts and fans alike months before the Week 1 showdown involving the Giants and Cowboys, and such critics likely believe they’re right following what they saw unfold at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.

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In fairness, Flowers wasn’t a complete dumpster fire versus Dallas, but he was a liability far more often than one would like to see from the most important position on the line. He was beaten up front multiple times in both halves, and the sack he surrendered when the Giants were in the red zone permanently erased the minimal momentum the New York offense generated in the third quarter.

Flowers is an easy target because of his past and because of where he plays, but he was hardly the guiltiest party wearing Big Blue in Dallas. Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence absolutely owned tackle Bobby Hart when matched up against him. Guard John Jerry looked like he didn’t belong on a roster that supposedly has the goods to earn more than a playoff spot before the first Sunday in February concludes.

The previously mentioned Manning had a rough night, and the 36-year old’s inaccuracies should not be excused by even his biggest apologists. Manning defenders and detractors alike would have to admit he was forced to move around and outside the pocket far too often. He twice avoided what could’ve been strip-sacks using agility and athleticism many forget he possesses.

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Beckham will return, veteran receiver Brandon Marshall won’t go missing every week and Manning will have better days. Unfortunately, the New York offensive line that struggled against a rather pedestrian defensive front on Sunday is what it is. There’s no magic fix. The time for Reese and his staff to repair this glaring defect in the roster was last March, last April and during the summer. It’s now too late.

Stop hoping the Giants will trade for a proven commodity such as Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas. Thomas, specifically, is apparently keen on remaining with the Browns despite the fact the club probably won’t win anything of note before he retires, the Browns don’t want to get rid of him at a time when rookie DeShone Kizer is starting, and there are salary cap implications that must be considered for a Giants team that doesn’t have much space remaining per Spotrac.

D.J. Fluker could get additional reps in future games. Undrafted tackle Chad Wheeler is on the roster, and sixth-round selection Adam Bisnowaty struggled throughout the summer and cleared waivers before landing on the practice squad. Head coach Ben McAdoo may feel forced to turn to either man, but it would be a miracle handed down by the football gods if either proved to be more than cover over the next four months.

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Those holding onto hope the line won’t play as poorly in the future should remember Dallas’ pass rush isn’t the best New York will see over the next 15 contests. The offensive line failed its first real test of the season, and there’s no reason to believe it will notch a passing grade a single time in the foreseeable future.