New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and left tackle Nate Solder discuss the Big Blue offense ahead of the 2019 season.
Overall, the New York Giants offense needs to improve in 2019.
They were in the bottom half of the league in 2018 as far as yards per game (No. 17 with 356.1). They were also ranked 16th in the NFL in scoring with 23.1 points per game. And despite a great rookie season from running back Saquon Barkley, Big Blue was ranked 24th in the league with 103.1 rushing yards per game.
For the most part, the NFL is a pass-first league. It’s been that way in recent years and it seems it’ll continue to be that way. But with an improving offensive line and Barkley, is it possible for the Giants to be a run-first team? Left tackle Nate Solder weighs in.
“I think we have the capability of doing that (dominating on the ground) and we certainly have the potential,” Solder said, per Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com. “But, in this league, you certainly have to be able to pass the ball. It’s the way it’s designed, the way that it is.
“The better we can protect and keep Eli [Manning] healthy and making great decisions is going to contribute hugely to our success.”
Last season, the Giants offensive line was ranked 21st in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. They allowed 47 sacks, which was the most amount of sacks Manning has had to take in a single season.
However, with the additions of guard Kevin Zeitler and tackle Mike Remmers, including re-signed center Jon Halapio returning from injury, the offensive line should be more up to speed ahead of this season.
Manning realizes that and uses it as a reason for optimism.
“I have great confidence in the offensive line and the way they are doing things,” Manning said. “I think they made strides as the season went along last year. I have great confidence that they are going to do their job, protect people and get the ball out. I’ll be able to make my reads and progressions.”
