Who is That?: Offense

Few days ago, I gave you a solid list of defensive players you may see this season, ones that you may not recognize in Giants blue. Today, you get the offense.

Offensive Line: The regular starting left tackle, Will Beatty tore his pectoral muscle in May. With him out until late October, there have been some shifting around. Theres a rookie at left tackle, Justin Pugh (RT last year) now at LG, 2nd year man Weston Richburg (guard last year) is at Center, Geoff Schwartz* at RG, and a newcomer at RT.

Ereck Flowers #76 - LT

The number 9 overall pick out of Miami is an absolute monster of a human. 6-6 329 is tremendous for an offensive lineman. Raw with his pass blocking skill, but his size and technique make him a quality run blocker. Combo blocks with Pugh looked good this preseason, so watch for a lot of running towards that left side.

Geoff Schwartz #74 - RG

Is he new? No, but he only played 2 games last year for the Giants. Signed last off season, his injuries made him yet another problem for an offensive line that was weak to begin with. Guy is a 7 year vet. In 2012-13, according to Pro Football Focus, Schwartz played better than any guard not named Evan Mathis on a per-snap basis. He is a great run blocker and hopefully can stay healthy to open some holes.

Marshall Newhouse #73 - RT

6th year man, played 15 games on the Bengals last year. Before 2014, he was on the Packers. Played LT for 13 games in 2011 (15-1 record), and all 16 + 2 playoff games in 2012.

Tight Ends: Larry Donnell will be getting the start, but the 2nd string may play a solid role in the offense as well. You have seen Daniel Fells, but you may not know who the next guy up is.

Jerome Cunningham #86 - TE

Out of Southern Connecticut State, Cunningham an UDFA, worked hard enough at his craft to land himself on the practice squad last season. Solid size at 6-4 240 is much better at receiving than he is blocking.

Runningback: Rashad Jennings is back, along with Andre Williams. Jennings was the bell-cow last year, but Williams showed some definite promise. In the offseason, the Giants grabbed a great pass catcher and 3rd down running back form a team we love to beat.

Shane Vereen #34

Vereen was Tom Brady's man out of the backfield for the past few years. In the Super Bowl last year against the Seahwaks, he set the Super Bowl receptions by a running back record, at 11. 52 receptions last year, 47 the year before that. He will be a great outlet for Eli right before he gets destroyed by the pressure from this mediocre at best offensive line.


Wide Receiver: OBJ is back at full strength this year, remember he only played 12 games. Victor Cruz was scheduled to be back by week 1 from his awful knee injury, but it is a calf injury keeping him out as of now. Preston Parker will be stepping up in the slot. With Randle opposite OBJ. However, the Giants did add two wideouts this off season.
Jeremy Davis # 18

Out of UCONN, Davis was the most prolific receiver in school history. Picked in the 6 round this year, he beat out 2014 preseason star Corey Washington to grab a spot on the roster. Guy uses his size (6-2, 216) to make highly contested catches. Guy has a motor, and should be flying around Specials to start.

Dwayne Harris #17

Yes that Dwayne Harris, from the Dallas Cowboys. Spent 5 years in Dallas, mostly as a special teams guy. A great K/P returner, with career averages of 26.5 yards on 77 KRs and 11.1 on 87 PRs. Not a great receiver by any means, but can use his speed and run after catch to make defenders miss. Hands aren't the best, but screens and straight fly's may work wonders.

Fullback: The Giants surprised a lot of people with the release of Hynoski. Guy was a great worker, and always did his job. His TD celebration was hilarious as well. All good things must come to an end though, and Hyno the Rhino was cut.

Nikita Whitlock #49

This guy has a great story behind him. All his life he played nose tackle. Was a HS Player of the Year at the position in Texas. In his senior year at Wake Forest, his coach advised him to, "start catching some balls." Reason for the change in position was Whitlock's size. At 5-10 250, there wasn't much of a shot for Whitlock in the NFL as a nose tackle. Signed to the practice squad last year in December, made a great impression this preseason. Best part? He actually played some defensive tackle in the final preseason game against the Pats. Came away with a fumble recovery late in the game to seal it.

Thats it for the newcomers. Enjoy the game tonight, and the rest of the season!