What now?

Thomas needs to step up or risk being labeled a bust

- Chris Bisignano

Back in April, when Giants general manager Dave Gettleman selected offensive tackle Andrew Thomas fourth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, the organization and fan base felt they finally had the ultimate blindside shield for franchise quarterback Daniel Jones for the next 10 years.

Do we still feel that way?

Andrew Thomas has been bad and there is no denying it. Let’s stop with the excuses of facing “elite” pass rushers every week, and the “no offseason” stuff. It is starting to grow stale. The Giants are seven games in, and Thomas has regressed, both physically and mentally.

“I have to stay sound technique-wise,” said Thomas after the latest debacle against the Eagles. “There are no excuses, I have to play better.”

Bingo, young man.

When Thomas, the first offensive tackle selected in the draft, showed up late to a Saturday night team meeting the day before the Washington game, head coach Joe Judge benched him, inserting third-round draft pick Matt Peart to start at left tackle.

Daniel Jones will never admit it, but he had to feel much safer that Peart was protecting his death side instead of Thomas. Peart played well, not only in pass protection, but also in run-blocking.

“I thought Matt (Peart) did a hell of a job,” Judge said describing Peart’s play. “We’ve been working him in for a reason, he’s got a bright future for us.”