The New York Giants’ offensive line has gone from liability to strength in just a few weeks. After an ugly Week 1 showing, the group has started to find its footing — a transformation sparked by the return of Andrew Thomas in Week 3 and the gradual emergence of John Michael Schmitz at center.
What once looked like a revolving door of protection breakdowns has suddenly turned into a unit showing real cohesion and growth. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress — and that’s something the Giants haven’t been able to say in years.
John Michael Schmitz is starting to come into his own
Schmitz has been quietly improving as the season goes on, showing flashes of the player the Giants believed they were drafting in the second round of 2023. After dealing with some early inconsistencies, he’s found his rhythm anchoring the interior of the line.
Before exiting Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles with a concussion, Schmitz had not allowed a single pressure since Week 4. For the season, he’s surrendered seven pressures and no sacks — a clear sign that his awareness and technique are beginning to catch up to the speed of the NFL game.
The Giants have struggled for years to find stability at center, and Schmitz’s development offers a glimpse of hope that they may finally have their answer. His steady hand has helped quarterback Jaxson Dart settle into the offense, giving the line a much-needed sense of reliability.
Coaching consistency is paying off
Offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo deserves plenty of credit for the turnaround. His approach has emphasized communication and synergy, two things that have been missing from this unit in recent years. The line now moves more fluidly as a group, with players understanding their assignments and supporting each other through defensive stunts and blitzes.
The Giants have often looked like five individuals playing on different pages. Under Bricillo, they’re finally resembling a single, cohesive unit. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s the foundation of a functional offense.
A steady reserve making the most of his moment
When Schmitz went down against the Eagles, veteran backup Austin Schlottman stepped in and held his own. Across 14 pass-blocking snaps, he didn’t allow a single pressure and graded out as one of the team’s best pass protectors that game.
For Schlottman, 30, it was an important opportunity. After bouncing around the league — with stops in Denver and Minnesota — he’s trying to prove he can be more than just a stopgap. The Giants have to feel some comfort knowing they have a capable reserve if Schmitz needs more time to recover.
The path forward
If Schmitz continues on his current trajectory, the Giants might finally have long-term stability at one of football’s most overlooked positions. Having a dependable center is like having a good catcher in baseball — the casual fan doesn’t always notice them, but everything else falls apart without their reliability.
Thomas’ return and Schmitz’s progress have transformed the Giants’ protection into something functional, maybe even promising. It’s still early, but after years of frustration, the team can finally see light breaking through the trenches.