Will the New York Giants’ offensive line be better in 2024?
The answer is that they would have to be after allowing the second-most sacks (85) in NFL history last season.
Per Sharp Football Analysis, “The Giants had a -51 sack differential versus their opponents last season, the worst differential for any team in the 2000s.”
Ouch.
The Giants countered by shoring up the interior of the line by signing several veteran guard/center types (Jon Runyan Jr., Jermaine Eluemunor, Greg Van Roten, Aaron Stinnie) while adding undrafted rookie free agent Jake Kubas and hiring a new unit coach in Carmen Bricillo.
But there are statistical trends that favor the Giants as well. Per Action Football, seven teams have allowed 70 or more sacks in a season:
The Giants did so last year, second-most all-time. Here is how those O-Lines performed the year after the historically bad season. Four of six allowed 50+ sacks again, with all six teams allowing 35+ the next year.
- 104 – 1986 Eagles –> 72
- 85 – 2023 Giants –> ???
- 78 – 1997 Cardinals –> 50
- 76 – 2002 Texans –> 36
- 72 – 2006 Raiders –> 41
- 72 – 1987 Eagles –> 56
- 71 – 2014 Jaguars –> 51
The trend is encouraging. Teams usually attack their weaknesses and the Giants appear to have done that with the offensive line.
But it goes further than that. Sure, there are times when the quarterback has no chance and has to take a sack. Then there are those instances where the quarterback misses his checks and holds on to the ball too long.
The Giants had a lot of both last year. They had three different quarterbacks start at least five games. They led the NFL in sack percentage (14.1) and the line was clearly a huge part of the issue as it was riddled with injuries.
This year, things promise to be different. The stats and trends support it.
