The New York Giants have been trying to fix their leaky offensive line for the past decade with little success. They have tried just about everything from selecting linemen high in the draft to doling out big bucks in free agency.
Co-owner John Mara has been scratching his head over the situation and on Monday voiced his displeasure on the issue.
“You’re right it’s ridiculous — and it’s a continuing source of frustration for me,” Mara told reporters at the NFL’s annual meeting in Orlando per NJ.com.
“So it’s time to get it fixed. I expect us to be a hell of a lot better this year.”
That could be already in the works as general manager Joe Schoen has been busy signing veteran linemen in free agency this month, mainly at the guard position.
Mara has every right to be peeved. The line has been the poster child for the Giants’ offensive shortcomings for the better part of the last decade.
“Let’s face it: For a while [last season], we couldn’t block anybody,” continued Mara. “That was certainly a priority going into this offseason — to get the offensive line fixed. You can’t win in this league unless you have a good, productive, consistent offensive line. We have to get back to that. If you can’t block, you’re not going to win.”
The Giants appear ready to start the spring with John Michael Schmitz at center, Andrew Thomas at left tackle and Evan Neal on the right side. Free agents Jon Runyon Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor will compete at guard.
Schoen was asked if the team was contemplating shifting Neal to guard. He said on Monday that was not currently in the plans even though Eluemunor played right tackle last season under new line coach Carmen Bricillo in Las Vegas.