Maligned O-line ailing
The much-maligned Giants offensive line may be undergoing some changes in Week 2. But it isn’t because of poor play. Right tackle Bobby Hart (ankle) was held out of practice on Wednesday, and coach Ben McAdoo left open the possibility starting left guard Justin Pugh could fill in for Hart.
“We’ll lean towards who can help us put the best five out there,” McAdoo said, declining to go further in depth.
Pugh was drafted as a left tackle out of Syracuse, and has played the tackle spot earlier in his career. If he moves over, backups Brett Jones or D.J. Fluker could start in his place at left guard.
“I’m ready to go wherever they need me to go,” Pugh said on Thursday following practice. “I want to win games. If someone can’t go, and I got to step up, that’s the nature of the business.”
McAdoo stood up for the heavily criticized offensive line on Thursday, spreading the blame for the offense’s poor showing against the Cowboys. The unit managed just 233 yards of total offense and three measly points, the team’s fewest in an opener since 1995.
“We have a lot of work to do as an offense. It’s not just the offensive line,” McAdoo said. “We have 11 guys on offense. It takes all 11 to have a successful play and win the down on offense. Not just the center, not just the guards, it takes all 11.”
Coming off his invisible onecatch debut as a Giant, wide receiver Brandon Marshall insisted he was involved in the offense.
“I just didn’t get an opportunity to get touches,” said Marshall, who received just four targets.
Marshall joked that he and quarterback Eli Manning still are in the “honeymoon phase” of their relationship — marriage counseling is a way off — and he isn’t upset about his lack of targets.
“It’s Week 1. Ask me that question Week 10, Week 12,” Marshall said, when it was suggested he needs to be featured more in the offense. Linebacker Keenan Robinson (concussion) remained out, and cornerback Janoris Jenkins (ankle/ hand), defensive tackle Jay Bromley (knee) and wide receiver Tavarres King (ankle) practiced fully.