New York Giants LT Ereck Flowers let his emotions spill over on an ESPN reporter after the Packers game. How will Big Blue rein him in?
Ereck Flowers was once viewed as the future on the New York Giants offensive line. They drafted him No. 9 out of Miami (FL) in 2015 to protect Eli Manning’s blindside for the rest of his storied career. The 6’5″ 324 lb. giant looks the part, but he’s struggled mightily in 2016.Flowers was dominated against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. Manning never settled into the pocket and the offense couldn’t get anything going as a result. After the game, Flowers reportedly shoved ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan.
Giants offensive lineman Ereck Flowers shoved ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan in the locker room after tonight's game: https://t.co/oau8rp3KLW
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) October 10, 2016
All good. Minor thing. No need for anyone to be concerned. https://t.co/yJsjgGXDNs
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 10, 2016
Flowers has since apologized and the Giants will handle the situation “in-house,” per Dan Benton, of USA Today.
Whether he performed the way he’d have liked to or not, his frustration should never reach that point. It’s Flowers job to play football just as it is a reporter’s job to report on him, at his best and at his worst. Speaking to the media is part of every athlete’s professional obligation.
How should the Giants address Flowers’ on-field deficiencies? They signed Will Beatty before the season to add depth to the line. At this point, it’s fair to question whether Flowers will begin to lose snaps to the veteran.
Why not re-shift the line and try Flowers at right tackle? The transition from tackle to guard worked wonders for Justin Pugh. Granted, the tackle and guard positions are different animals, but Pugh’s move to guard suited his strengths.
Moving Flowers to right tackle may have a similar effect on his ability to contribute. He does have some experience there; he played his entire freshman season at the position for Miami and drew rave reviews from offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch.
The pressure of protecting the blindside, without TE help against opponents’ best pass-rushers, has mostly stumped Flowers. He leads all NFL tackles in holds (6) and yards per penalty (11.4). The G-men won’t give up on their 2nd-year tackle, nor should they, but perhaps a repackaging boosts his productivity.
