Say what you want about Week 14 in the NFL—the horrible calls, the other horrible calls, the intriguing New England Patriots Documentary, all of it. At the end of all the ruckus and tumult, it was really nice to see Eli Manning back under center for the New York Giants. Yeah, I said it. The football needed Eli, and Eli needed the football.
Eli Manning arrives for his first start since Week 2 🍿 #MNF pic.twitter.com/2DCdwGIxCx
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 9, 2019
The on-camera charisma will get picked apart, of course, because that’s what we’ve come to expect with ol’ Number 10. We wait for the perfect meme-worthy moments, pausing the television and hoping to hit social media paydirt. But every time people begin to knock Eli, I step back and think about one thing: There were several scouts at Lamar Jackson’s pro day who are way worse at their job.
Now, let’s hop off of the soapbox and get down in the trenches, so we can take a look at some of the best of the best, the often ignored blockades and protectors to the fantasy stars. We’re talking offensive lines, folks, and there were a few good ones in Week 14. These were the top 5 groups that I saw.
5. San Francisco 49ers
The NFC matchup between the 49ers and Saints was one of the best games of the season (ever?), a Battle Royale that displayed why both teams will be a tough task come playoff time. While the significant highlight was the improbable “I’ll give you all piggyback rides” catch and run after the catch by George Kittle, San Fran’s offensive front continues to improve—as does the game management of Jimmy Garoppolo and, of course, the overall offense.
The 49ers kept the Saints’ defense in a misdirected twist, executing a stable zone run scheme. And maybe, more importantly, they also kept the crowd out of it (at times). The three-headed attack of Sanders-Mostert-Breida picked up a much-needed 162 yards on the ground with one touchdown, providing a balance that helped Garoppolo in the passing game.
The O-line was crucial for both phases and performed above-average. They were aggressive and quick to the block, opening what little lanes there were for the backs. And they did an outstanding job creating and holding protection Jimmy G—especially during moments when he really needed time.
đź•şThis @BournePoly11 6-yard TD makes it 42-33 #49ers. #SFvsNO pic.twitter.com/6EVptj3mex
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 8, 2019
Weston Richburg, Joe Staley, Mike McGlinchey, Laken Tomlinson, Ben Garland, and Michael Person: Not much got “bayou.” A job well done, guys!