First-year New York Giants left tackle Nate Solder speaks on being portrayed as the “answer” to Big Blue’s problems.
In March, the New York Giants inked a big deal and signed former Patriots left tackle Nate Solder. A four-year contract worth a total of $62 million, Solder became the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL.
The left tackle position was one of the main concerns going into this season. Due to the struggles of former Giants tackle Ereck Flowers, many believed a change needed to be made, and GM Dave Gettleman pulled out all the stops.
Now entering week 17, Solder is almost complete with his first full season with Big Blue. Being the “answer” to all the Giants’ problems was one of the proposed narratives when Solder was signed.
Now, he’s responding to that narrative.
“I think it was a little bit of a set up in terms of the way it was all portrayed as ‘This is the answer to all the problems,’” Solder said to nj.com, per Ryan Dunleavy.
Despite being a huge signing for Big Blue, quarterback Eli Manning has still been sacked more times this season than he ever has. However, most of the responsibility doesn’t lie on Solder himself, but the overall performance of the offensive line.
The Giants mixed around much of the front five during the majority of the 2018 season. Therefore it was tough to establish offensive line-based chemistry all year long.
Solder was in New England for seven years before he became a Giant. Therefore, he also reflected on how much of a process it is to become acquainted with a new system.
“Having a different system and a new way of seeing things has really expanded my understanding of the game,” Solder mentioned. “The mental side of the game is so big that it certainly has helped me become a better player. I have to keep pushing on both areas.”
Solder is one of two Giants to be on the field for every single offensive snap this season. The other is the guy right next to him on the line; rookie guard Will Hernandez.
