The Giant’s defensive line was solid against formidable Derrick Henry and the Titan’s run game. The offensive line on the other hand was a tale of two halves. Rookie Joshua Ezeudu and Ben Bredeson took turns struggling with top-tier lineman Jeffery Simmons for most of the game. Yet the line showed their ability to execute double teams and find a place to put their hat when they pulled.
The young tackles showed good hand placement and the ability to take on their assignments one on one without disaster. Though rookie Evan Neil is still as expected working on his footwork, Andrew Thomas looks more and more like a black hole that defenders disappear into. Can both position groups improve upon this in week two?
Carolina’s Offensive Line
Sixth overall pick Ikem Ekwonu anchors the Panther’s line at tackle and based simply on a week one performance vs. a tough Brown defense, he will be a liability until he catches up to the speed of the game. Guard Michael Jordan has come over after his release from Cincinnati this August. Journeyman Pat Elflein plays all interior positions but is now the starting center this year. Second-round picks, guard Austin Corbett and tackle Moton make up an expectedly more solid right side of the line. Moton has not missed a start in four years, and Corbett has been signed away from the Rams after a solid season where he only gave up three sacks.
The Browns sacked Baker Mayfield four times and he was hit another six times. Giant fans can understand what it’s like to have rookies on a rebuilt line, and what someone like Myles Garret can do to them. He finished with eight tackles, three for a loss, two sacks, two QB hits, and a forced fumble. Can someone on the Giants defense have the same success?
Carolina’s Defensive Line
Yetur Gross-Matos had been underwhelming since being drafted 38th overall in 2020 while 2019’s 16th over all pick, Brian Burns will be this weeks Jeffery Simmons if he gets matched up with the Giant’s guards. Since their base defense is a 4-3, hopefully he will be the responsibility of Andrew Thomas and it will be a match up to watch. Burns has tallied nine sacks for the last two seasons. If not tied up with Burns Thomas may be dealing with outside line backer Shaq Thompson who has made over 100 tackles in last three years, but is not known for his sack totals.
The interior features Matt Ioannidis who the Giant’s fans will know as the pesky rotational player in Washington’s defensive front. He will be trying to return to his 2019 level where he had 64 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Derrick Brown, 2020 seventh over all pick is still developing and could surprise. He had five tackles last week, one solo.
The Panthers gave up 217 yards rushing at 5.6 yards per rushing attempt vs. the Browns. The question is if Saquon Barkley and his offensive line will prove to be as good as the Brown rushing attack. After their performance vs. the Titans there is reason to be hopeful.
New York Giants: Know Thy Enemy: Carolina’s Ben McAdoo and Christian McCaffrey