The Giants offensive line was in great shape over the past few seasons but I don't like the re-shuffle that went on this season. It is one thing to let a player like Luke Petitgout sign elsewhere and I know that folks are torn on how effective he has been over the years (I for one believe he has been a stabilizing presence along the OL and a valuable run blocker). It is another to let a starting left tackle go without a clear vision in mind.
I believe the Giants truly wanted Guy Whimper to step up but he has been a disaster so far this offseason and into training camp. That will force the Giants to move their excellent left guard into left tackle where he isn't as well suited. Don't get me wrong as I believe Diehl will be serviceable at tackle but he was a force at guard and it is a shame to move him over. It appears that Rich Seubert will have to slot into guard and he simply isn't in the same ballpark as Diehl.
The right side of the offensive line is in good shape but the left side appears to be of concern. I have been on the high side in regards for the Giants OL for years but a downswing will happen in 2007.
Back problems and all, Pettigout brought some stability to the offensive line. He wasn't a Pro-Browler, but he was at least average. So the Giants decide that instead of getting an above average back-up to give him a breather, It would be easier to blow up the LT position, blow up the LG position and try and fill in from there. Going into last year, one of the things that made the Giants o-line good was Cohesion. They do not have that now. The 3 most important positions on any team are QB, LT and LCB in that order and the Giants just blew up LT. I totally agree with Chris Smith on this one.
The problem with Pettigout is he could blow up the LT position while playing it - you simply didn't know what you were going to get. It's likely going to be almost average, with a chance at a good game, but also a chance at rookie starting first game at LT bad. Anytime you've got an OL who's nickname is "False Start", that's a sign he's below average.
I guess that it's just a semantics thing, but from a coaching perspective, I knew what I was getting when Luke lined up at LT.
The Giants drop from the top quarter to 24th because they CUT your 27th ranked LT? That is complete and utter nonsense.Diehl is as solid as they come. The guy has started every single game (at multiple positions) since coming into the league 4 years ago! He is far better than "serviceable".
Seubert is not some scrub. He was an a up and coming, highly regarded starter prior to breaking his leg in 2003, and was among the best back ups in the league last year (after finally getting back to 100%). He is most certainly "in the same ballpark" as Diehl at LG.
And Whimper has not been a "disaster". Did you watch the Carolina game? He was excellent. He controlled his man in pass pro, he got to the second level and put guys on their backs run blocking, he showed the ability to switch off and handle two defenders by himself and he had the key block on the 4th and 6 screen to Droughns which gained 32 yards.
With regard to continuity, Petitgout went down in week 10 last year! This o-line closed out the season as a unit. They know each other and have played well together.
There is more to it than just where a player is ranked... His own Giants teammates wanted him back and called him the anchor of the offensive line. That cannot be ignored. 2nd, Diehl is an exceptional guard, not tackle. The Giants wanted Whimper to make an impact for a reason and that's to keep Diehl in the interior where he shines.
Whimper has struggled according to press releases...
June 15, 2007, 16:19
Giants :: OL
Giants LT Starter Becoming Clear
Mike Garofolo, Newark Star-Ledger - [Full Article]
The battle for the starting LT spot for the New York Giants is becoming a blowout. OT Guy Whimper has struggled the last two days with backup defensive linemen. This would mean OG David Diehl would start at LT instead of LG, which would create another hole.
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and I believe those clippings are valid or he would be the starting tackle as the team wanted during the off-season.
Finally I disagree with you on the talents of Seubert. I've eaten crow before in regards to offensive linemen and it's difficult to peg the abilities of 8+ linemen per team as it isn't easy to break down their talents always on film. There is no way that Seubert is in the class of Diehl at guard though.
Go through the left tackles and tell me who Diehl is better than at the position. His body type and his skill set screams interior lineman and he will be out of position if moved to tackle..
May 5, 2007, 11:45
Giants :: OL
OL Coach Talks About Filling Left Tackle Position
Michael Eisen, Giants.com - [Full Article]
New York Giants OL coach Pat Flaherty talks about how the Giants will fill the hole at left tackle after Luke Petitgout left for the Buccaneers. "There is nothing really in concrete right now as to who is going where. We do have seven guys that have been in the program, counting Guy Whimper. We have a lot of confidence in the room of the guys that have played, no matter what position they have played. Whimper is working awfully hard this offseason in the weight room with his technique. David Diehl has played some tackle but is more explosive at the guard position."
March 28, 2007, 06:30
Giants :: OL
Teammates Disappointed With OT Petitgout's Release
Arthur Staple, Newsday - [Full Article]
The Giants offensive line must adjust to left tackle Luke Petitgout's absence this season. "Was I disappointed? Absolutely," offensive guard Chris Snee said of Petitgout's release. "The O-line was a pretty tight group, and Luke was a leader. He was here eight years and gave a lot to this organization."
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For much of my analysis of all 32 teams, I can only go with the news out there. If the news is completely inaccurate, conflicting or misleading, there will be times I am out in left field. Hopefully those times are few and far between however...