The New York Giants currently have a ton of issues to tend to during the bye week, but there is no way they can ignore the inadequacy of veteran offensive tackle David Diehl.
For a long time, Diehl was a valuable piece of a strong offensive line that the Giants were proud to put on display. Unfortunately, that time has past; leaving behind an embarrassing, under-performing shell of his former self.
Last season, the one-time Pro Bowler was the least efficient pass-blocking offensive tackle in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. His inability to be effective was a concern for the team, but the Giants felt comfortable moving forward with the 10-year veteran as their starting right tackle.
Diehl’s struggles carried into the season, however, and he was an obvious weak link in the Giants’ offensive line. The MCL injury he suffered during the Giants’ Week 2 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was tough to see but was a blessing in disguise nonetheless. New York came from behind to win that game following his departure, sparked by an offensive resurgence whether passing or running the football.
In his absence, the Giants shifted Sean Locklear to right tackle and Will Beatty filled in at the left tackle spot. As a result, the Giants went 5-1 and scored at least 26 points in every game (except for the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles). The offense appeared to be on fire, ranking as one of the league’s most well-balanced attacks.
Diehl returned just four weeks after his injury, but was kept on the bench and used primarily as an extra tackle in running situations.
And then head coach Tom Coughlin and his staff had this strange idea heading into the Week 9 battle with the Pittsburgh Steelers — start Diehl at right tackle again.
Why they chose to mess with something that wasn’t broken is unknown. Certainly Locklear was not playing like a top flight right tackle, but his presence was far superior to that of Diehl’s along the offensive line.
Sure enough, the Giants’ offense has fallen apart. They lost their last two games — the most recent in embarrassing fashion to the Cincinnati Bengals — and their hold on the NFC East lead is loosening.
Is Diehl entirely responsible? No. But the numbers are telling.
The Giants had allowed just two sacks in their last four games heading into the meeting with Pittsburgh. Since Diehl’s return to the starting lineup though, quarterback Eli Manning has been sacked six times — four of which came against the Bengals. Three of those were allowed by Diehl.
In a game where one of the most important keys to success is protecting the quarterback, Diehl’s presence in the starting lineup is promoting the exact opposite. The Giants cannot win with Diehl as a starter — they are 1-3 since his return — and as long as he continues to man a position on that offensive line, their lack of offensive success will continue.
Former NFL head coach Herman Edwards once said, “We play to win the game!” Well if that’s the case, why would the Giants continue to put Diehl out there knowing he undermines their ability to win football games?
With a week off to review what’s working and what isn’t, this should be a gleaming issue for the Giants. Diehl has accomplished plenty for New York and the fans are very thankful. But there comes a time when one must recognize they are doing more harm than good.
David Diehl’s days as a quality player on the offensive line are clearly behind him. Now, it’s the Giants coaches’ job to put their loyalty aside and accept that they must sit the longtime veteran for the sake of Manning’s health and success on Sundays.
Louis Musto is a contributor for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network covering the NFL and NBA. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.