Giants Looking For Continuity On The Offensive Line

Several years ago, the New York Giants set out to create a new offensive line that could dominate for years to come. The Giants offensive line play was one of the main reasons they won two Super Bowls and they're well aware that they need to get back to that formula. In the past three NFL Drafts, the Giants selected LT Ereck Flowers, LG Justin Pugh and center Weston Richburg. Which means New York is three-fifths done.

Big Blue's offensive line has certainly gotten a bad rap as they continue to underperform. If you look closely however, there's a reason to be optimistic. In 2015, the Giants offensive line only surrendered 27 sacks, which was seventh best in the NFL, and played a huge role in an offense that was sixth in points scored and eighth in in yards gained.

Ereck Flowers at left tackle, Justin Pugh at left guard, Weston Richburg at center, John Jones at right guard and Marshall Newhouse at right tackle, were the core group of offensive lineman for the 2015 Giants. Even though Giants haven't added any upgrades to the group through free agency this off-season, they did look at a few free agents.

There's a chance that the club will add a lineman or two in the NFL Draft, but they are more than likely to start the regular season with the group they finished last season with.

"That'll be big for us right now, because we have our guys returning that I played with last season," Richburg said in a release from the team on Monday. "I think that'll be huge for us, to stay healthy and try to have those five guys playing as much as we can during the season to get that continuity."

The Giants have a new offensive line coach in veteran Mike Solari, who is replacing Pat Flaherty. New head coach Ben McAdoo has been stressing unity and cohesiveness on the offensive line.

"We have to improve," Richburg said. "I think there were some things, especially like third down percentages, we weren't happy with that kind of drop off last year. We're looking to improve. I think there's a lot of things we have to improve, and that's why we're here. That's the exciting part, coming in and getting better."

The Giants appear to be real high on second-year player Bobby Hart, who plays both guard and tackle. They've also decided to bring back Canadian import Brett Jones, as well as signing three offensive lineman - Dillion Farrell, Ryan Seymour and Bryon Stingily to contracts in free agency.