FanPost

Offensive Line rotation



For the first time in my life I watched a preseason game a second time and, in this instance tried to pay particular attention to the offensive line. I will emphasize the word "tried".

We all know the starters from left to right were Max, Kemo, Hartwig, Essex, and Adams. The first rotation in the second quarter occurred when J. Scott replaced Adams and played one series with the other four starters. Then the other four starters sat down and from left to right we saw Hills, Foster, Pouncey, Legursky, and Scott. This was the group on the field when Leftwich hit Wallace for the long td, as well as the ill-fated drive that ended the first half.

To start the second half Urbik replaced Foster at left guard and all other pieces remained the same, and this was the line for the entire third quarter, and seemed to play really well together. Then in the fourth quarter the tackles remained the same, the big Legursky moved to center, Foster came back in to play lg while Urbik moved to rg, and Pouncey took a well earned seat.

From these very untrained and likely bloodshot eyes the 2nd/3rd string guys looked fantastic. Everybody is talking up Pouncey, and with good reason, but it seemed the whole group played really well together. Watching Scott and Hills play, I now have visions in my head of Scott being able to beat out Adams at starting rt and Hills being able to back up Max, and if Scott happened to get hurt Max could move to the right and Hills can man the left. Wishful thinking perhaps? We shall see.

As to the guards, it looks like Legursky, Foster, and Urbik are potentially all battling for one spot, and looking to make it tough on the coaches. I thought Legursky stood out, but Urbik did look like he got some game finally. I wonder how much some of these improvements can be attributed to Kugler, the new O-line coach, and how much is just the guys getting better on their own. Or perhaps the Giants second string defensive line just sucks.

After watching this game I'm predicting/hoping that the starting five offensive linemen will be Max, Kemo, Pouncey, the big Legursky, and Scott, with the backups being Essex, and Hills, with a definite battle between Foster and Urbik for that last spot if they are going to keep 8 guys. See ya Hartwig, appreciate the effort and any teaching you've provided to the kid, but it's time to move on. See ya Hotel, your time has passed.

What do you think? Sarcastic, wise ass comments welcome and encouraged.

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