https://embed.sendtonews.com/oembed/?SC=kwBFqYfOgj-1066306-7498&format=json&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right&float=on
When the New York Giants selected Andrew Thomas in the 2020 NFL Draft, they believed they were getting an immediate starter who would help turn around an offensive line that has struggled in recent years.
Early in the season, the offensive line continued to struggle and so did the rookie out of Georgia. In fact, many started to write off Thomas and likened his poor performance to Giants draft bust Ereck Flowers.
Now, in the midst of a four-game winning streak headed into Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thomas is playing much better and trending in the right direction.
Touchdown Wire recently selected “the perfect holiday gift for every NFL franchise” and for Big Blue, it was Thomas’ continued development.
A few weeks ago everyone was ready to bury both rookie tackle Andrew Thomas and general manager Dave Gettleman. For the GM, it came down to an injury to Saquon Barkley, an ineffective Daniel Jones, a potential bust in Thomas and a team that seemed destined for another early pick. For the player, it was that fact: Thomas looked like a bust.
Winning cures all, and that might be the case in New York. The Giants seem poised to perhaps secure the division title and a playoff spot, which could save Gettleman’s job. During their recent stretch of good play, a big factor has been the growth from Thomas. Last week Thomas was a critical part of the Giants’ upset of the Seahawks, especially with what he did in the run game. But improvements in pass protection have also been massive, and the rookie points to technical adjustments as a big reason for his execution.
If the Giants are going to win the division they’ll need wins against some pretty good teams down the stretch, including the Cardinals, Browns and Ravens, all teams vying for playoff spots. He’ll face pass rushers like Myles Garrett along the way. So he’ll need to be at his best in December for the Giants to pull this off.
Hopefully, as he continues to notch more games in his young NFL career, Thomas continues to improve as both a run blocker and pass protector.
[lawrence-related id=661362,661348,661340]