Tag: Andrew Thomas

Giants’ offensive building blocks ranked among NFL’s worst

Bleacher Report ranks the New York Giants’ offensive building blocks among the NFL’s worst and offers this take: “Meh.”

The New York Giants’ roster has improved from where it was two years ago when general manager Joe Schoen took over.

In his first offseason as GM, the Giants were in salary cap hell and extremely limited in the moves they could make. Things cleared up a bit last year but there still wasn’t a massive spending spree.

Although some positions have seen a boost, the Giants remain needy — especially on the offensive side of the ball.

That’s something Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recognized this week as he ranked every team’s offensive building blocks. The Giants checked in near the bottom under the “jury’s very much out” category.

22. New York Giants: The Giants are loaded with young offensive players who have failed to show significant signs of becoming major contributors. The list? It starts with practically the entire offensive line beyond 25-year-old Andrew Thomas (namely John Michael Schmitz and Evan Neal, who are 24 and 24, respectively), and spans into the pass-catching corps with Wan’Dale Robinson (23), Jalin Hyatt (22) and Daniel Bellinger (23). Meh.

Certainly, elite tackle Andrew Thomas gives the Giants one of the league’s top building blocks. After that, it is seemingly a bunch of unproven young players.

Wan’Dale Robinson showed flashes this past season. However, he needs to continue trending in the right direction and, most importantly, stay on the field.

As for John Michael Schmitz and Evan Neal, the Giants hope they can be long-term solutions on the offensive line. However, Neal is looking like a bust and Schmitz was a mixed bag during his rookie season.

Schoen has plenty of work to do to improve the roster, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Given the status of the offense, it would be no surprise if they spent their first few picks in the draft on offensive players and focused heavily on the O-line in free agency.

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Giants’ 9 biggest disappointments of 2023

The New York Giants regressed significantly in 2023 and these nine players were among the most disappointing.

The 2023 season was a major downer for the New York Giants. There were a few surprises and glimmers of hope on the defensive side of the ball, but it wasn’t enough to extend the season.

The front office issues plagued the team and resulted in more upheaval with the “parting of ways” with Wink Martindale.

In the wake of the blinders being ripped off around the whole Wink/Brian Daboll fiasco, let’s take a look at nine players (in no particular order) who disappointed the most in 2023.

Giants’ Adoree’ Jackson: FSU should have made College Football Playoffs

New York Giants CB Adoree’ Jackson believes FSU should have made the College Football Playoffs, while LT Andrew Thomas argues for Georgia.

Controversy erupted on Sunday when the 2023 College Football Playoff committee revealed their final four teams: No. 1 Michigan, No. 2 Washington, No. 3 Texas, and No. 4 Alabama.

Noticeably absent were the undefeated Florida State Seminoles, who somehow dropped a spot from No. 4 to No. 5 behind the one-loss Longhorns and Crimson Tide.

Social media was swift to respond with many athletes, experts, insiders, and fans panning the decision to leave FSU out of the College Football Playoffs.

Among them is New York Giants cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, who played his college ball at USC.

“I’m not going to lie, I think they should have put Florida State in there,” Jackson told reporters. “Obviously, going undefeated which just crazy, and to see they were just ranked number four in that last game they played, right? And then they bump them out. I know I heard a bunch about the quarterback being out. That doesn’t mean anything. I feel like they earned the right to be able to go play.”

Injuries at the quarterback position may have fueled FSU’s omission, but it’s not an excuse that’s being widely accepted.

Making matters worse was the reaction of Michigan players when learning they would have to play Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide.

“I did see the one video of the Michigan people when they found out they had to play Bama, which was hilarious. It’s like they were scared to play them,” Jackson added.

But FSU wasn’t the only team left out of the playoffs that had a case to be made. One-loss Georgia and one-loss Ohio State also missed the cut and arguments could be made for each.

Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas, a Georgia alum, certainly believes the Bulldogs should have gotten in.

“I felt like they’re one of the best four teams, if that’s what the criteria is — but I don’t make that decision. Better luck next year,” Thomas said.

Even when the CFP is expanded, there’s going to be someone left out. It’s not a perfect system and that’s going to leave hurt feelings every single time.

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Giants players discuss differences between Tyrod Taylor, Tommy DeVito

New York Giants players break down the differences between Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito with uncertainty over who will start in Week 14.

The New York Giants designated quarterback Tyrod Taylor to return from injured reserve (IR) on Monday and expectations are that he’ll be active in Week 14 against the Green Bay Packers.

That puts head coach Brian Daboll in somewhat of a precarious position.

The Giants have gone 2-1 in Tommy DeVito’s three starts and the rookie is now the toast of the town. He’s become a national sensation and earned the respect and trust of his teammates.

Still, there’s no denying that Taylor’s skillset gives the Giants a better chance to win. And that’s not a knock on DeVito, it’s just a credit to Taylor.

So, what are the Giants to do? Technically still in the NFC Playoff hunt, do they go with Taylor, who is likely to depart via free agency this coming offseason, or DeVito, who could use the added NFL experience?

Whatever decision Daboll makes, his players will support it.

“Obviously, Tyrod, the veteran presence. He’s been in the league I think it’s 13 years. DeVito brings in energy, juice. He’s still learning the game and that works out for him,” left tackle Andrew Thomas said. “So they’re different guys, but we trust both of those guys. Whatever the coaches decide, that’s what we’ll go with and we’re going to protect the same and we’re going to block the same regardless of who’s back there.”

Although there wasn’t a single Giants player willing to put a stamp on either Taylor or DeVito, it was clear that the former’s NFL experience looms large.

“Tyrod has been in the league for 12 years, something like that and DeVito is a rookie. There’s a lot of things that Tyrod knows about the game and kind of more so like the way he carries himself,” wide receiver Darius Slayton said. “Everybody kind of has to learn how to carry themselves — like how you fit into a team as you grow in this league and as a rookie, especially a quarterback, a leadership position, you have to kind of find your way.

“I feel like DeVito’s done a good job of finding his way quickly, but it’s impossible to close a gap of 12 years. I think DeVito’s done a great job and Tyrod’s a professional, that’s why he’s been in this league so long. I’m glad to have both on our team.”

With five games remaining, Daboll’s quarterback decision will be telling. If he chooses Taylor, that will mean the Giants are gunning for a sneaky playoff spot. If he chooses DeVito, that likely indicates he’s already looking ahead to next year.

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Giants experience the pros and cons of a late bye week

The New York Giants may have had a late in-season bye — the latest some players have ever experienced — but they maximized the time off.

The New York Giants waited 13 long weeks — more than two months — for their bye to arrive. For many players, that was the latest in-season bye week that they’ve ever had.

“I think it’s good when you look at it with this last five-game stretch, you know this bye week was kind of an opportunity to reenergize and rejuvenate and really just get your mind right for a five-game stretch,” linebacker Bobby Okereke said. “Obviously, one game at a time, but where we are, where the playoff picture is looking like, and just how close all these games and teams are in the NFL. There is a lot of opportunity ahead of us.”

Although the players treated it like any other bye, there was a noticeable difference in that it came so late. And now, upon their return, they will close out the season with five games in 28 days — another unique grind for a team that’s dealt with multiple schedule quirks this season.

“I’d rather not have another one this late, but at the same time though, it’s kind of unique in that when it is this late, you come back and as you said, you have played the vast majority of the season. So, it’s kind of like you get a little reset and then I feel like it kind of gives you a good chance to finish strong. We have what? Five games left,” wide receiver Darius Slayton said.

“It kind of just allows you to, even though it’s later in the year, you kind of get the wear on the front end. It kind of comes at the right time because obviously if you go into the postseason then it’s nice to have that little break right before.”

Whether the bye came in Week 6 or Week 13, Slayton was just happy to get a break from the normal NFL beating he takes on a weekly basis.

“It does good to not get tackled, you know, kept my body off the ground helped out but I feel good,” he said. “You get so used to starting your week feeling terrible. Like now, like on Monday, you know, I feel great. It’s like, wow, this is how Mondays are for regular people. It’s always like that coming off byes, but I feel rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to go.”

Left tackle Andrew Thomas, who’s dealt with injury issues all season, also used the time to recover.

“For me, the first few days of the bye week was really just getting rest,” Thomas said. “I had my family in town for a few days for Thanksgiving so just spending time with the family, letting my body recover and then later in the week just trying to get some lifts in, some recovery, some treatment, just to get my body primed to go for this last stretch.

It’s not just the physical break the players welcomed, but the mental one, too.

“It was cool. I didn’t do anything but relax, so that was much needed to get a little away from football and let my mind do something else besides think of guarding a receiver or looking at different formations. So, it was nice,” cornerback Adoree’ Jackson said.

Now the break is over. It’s back to work for these Giants, who are just two games out in the NFC Playoff hunt.

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Giants injury report: Dexter Lawrence continues to miss practice

New York Giants NT Dexter Lawrence missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury.

The New York Giants held a brief practice on Thursday morning before players and staff were permitted to leave early and attend their respective Thanksgiving celebrations.

“We’ll bump it up a little bit,” head coach Brian Daboll said of Thursday’s practice. “I talked to the captains last week relative to how they wanted to approach the week, if they wanted to push it up and practice on Tuesday, give them off on Thursday.

“They wanted to keep it a normal week. So, we’ll push up the time that we start, and then they’ll get out a little bit earlier than they would. Fairly normal.”

East Rutherford facilities were closed to the media, so there were no press conferences or Zoom calls held, while practice was closed.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: NT Dexter Lawrence (hamstring), OL Evan Neal (ankle)

Limited participant: WR Darius Slayton (neck), LB Bobby Okereke (rib/hip), DL A’Shawn Robinson (back), CB Tre Hawkins (shoulder)

Full participant: OL John Michael Schmitz (finger), RB Saquon Barkley (rest), LT Andrew Thomas (knee), RB Eric Gray (ankle), OL Tyre Phillips (knee), WR Sterling Shepard (hip), CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion), S Bobby McCain (illness)

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Giants vs. Patriots: 3 causes for concern in Week 12

The New York Giants square off in a Sunday afternoon battle against the New England Patriots in Week 12. Here are three reasons for concern.

The New York Giants enter Week 12 fresh off their third win of the season and now turn their attention to the New England Patriots.

The two teams, who are forever linked together because of the matchups in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, are both having down seasons.

With both teams out of any realistic playoff contention, most will be paying attention to this game given the 2024 NFL draft implications — each team is currently slated to pick in the top five.

Following the Giants’ win against the Washington Commanders, it will be telling to see how they follow up that performance.

Here are three causes for concern ahead of Sunday’s matchup at MetLife Stadium.

Giants injury report: Eric Gray designated to return from IR

New York Giants RB Eric Gray has been designated to return from IR while NT Dexter Lawrence was a non-participant with a hamstring injury.

The New York Giants returned to the practice field on Wednesday ahead of a Week 12 game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium.

Before practice, head coach Brian Daboll met with reporters to update the status on several players, including wide receiver Darius Slayton and left tackle Andrew Thomas, who is reportedly playing on a sprained MCL.

“He won’t practice today,” Daboll said of Slayton, indicating he could play on Sunday.

Additionally, the Giants announced that rookie running back Eric Gray has been designated to return from injured reserve (IR) with his 21-day window officially opening.

Linebacker Bobby Okereke also revealed that he’s dealing with a broken rib and dislocated finger, noting that the latter hurts worse than the former. Both he and Slayton intend to play.

Finally, nose tackle Dexter Lawrence was a surprise addition to the injury report. He generally has a veteran rest day on Wednesday but was listed as a non-participant due to a hamstring injury this week.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: WR Darius Slayton (neck), LB Bobby Okereke (rib/hip), NT Dexter Lawrence (hamstring), RB Saquon Barkley (rest), OL Evan Neal (ankle)

Limited participant: LT Andrew Thomas (knee), RB Eric Gray (ankle), OL Tyre Phillips (knee), WR Sterling Shepard (hip), CB Adoree’ Jackson (concussion)

Full participant: OL John Michael Schmitz (finger)

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Report: Giants’ Andrew Thomas playing with sprained MCL

New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas recently suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee and is attempting to play through it.

New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas looked hobbled during a Week 11 victory over the Washington Commanders and as it turns out, it has nothing to do with the hamstring injury that caused him to miss seven games earlier this season.

Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that Thomas suffered a sprained MCL in Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys and is now attempting to play through it.

Daboll said they came out of the game “pretty clean” on the injury front. Daboll said there were “a couple of nicks and bruises.” That description likely applies to left tackle Andrew Thomas, who was slow to get up after a few plays on Sunday. Thomas, who recently returned from a seven-game absence due to a hamstring injury, is playing through the sprained MCL in his left knee he suffered last week.

Thomas, who was listed as questionable with a knee injury last Sunday, also attempted to play through his hamstring injury initially but that obviously didn’t pan out well.

The Giants have been ravaged by injuries this season, especially along their offensive line where every single player has suffered some sort of ailment.

With Thanksgiving on Thursday, the Giants have just two practices this week — Wednesday and Friday — and it will be interesting to see how much Thomas participates, if at all.

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Giants force six turnovers, ride Saquon Barkley to 31-19 win over Commanders

The New York Giants forced six turnovers, recorded four sacks and rode the back of Saquon Barkley in a 31-19 win over the Commanders.

The Washington Commanders hosted their long-time rivals, the New York Giants, at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland on Sunday afternoon.

It was a game that had very little significance in the NFC East standings between the third- and fourth-place teams.

Washington was favored by 9.5 points on most betting platforms with an over/under of 35 total points.

The Giants came into the game 2-0-1 versus the Commanders under head coach Brian Daboll.

Make that 3-0-1 after this one as Big Blue won for just the third time this season.