The voting in our poll to give the New York Giants offensive line a nickname is done. So, Big Blue View Nation, I present you the 'New York Block Exchange.'
We had 206 votes cast in all, and 'New York Block Exchange' received 84 of them, or 40 percent. 'Bg Blue Paving Crew' earned 65 votes, or 31 percent.
We have been saying here that we believe this line is football's best. Courtesy of Football Outsiders, let's look at the numbers and see what they tell us.
The run-blocking statistics are particularly impressive. Obviously, they are helped by the talented trio of Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw -- and the blocking of fullback Madison Hedgecock. The numbers, though, speak volumes for the work done by our newly-named New York Block Exchange.
- The Giants rank second in the league in 'Adjusted Line Yards' per running play at 4.93. Only Denver's 5.01 is better.
- The Giants rank first in the league in Running Back Yards per play at 5.55, nearly an amazing yard better than anyone else in the league.
- The Giants are first in the league in runs of more than 10 yards, with 27 percent of running plays gaining at least 10 yards.
The stats also reveal that the Giants are much better going left, which you probably realized by watching the games.
- They are second in the league in Adjusted Line Yards around left end, sixth going off left tackle and first in the league going directly up the middle.
That points to the strength of the left side, and right guard Chris Snee's athleticism and ability to pull.
In terms of pass protection, here is the breakdown.
- The Giants are seventh in the league in that category, having surrendered 12 sacks, or one on every 4.1 percent of passing plays.
Now, let's meet these guys individually.
David Diehl
Personally, I have nothing but admiration for what this six-year veteran has done during his career with the Giants. Drafted as a guard in the 2003 fifth round, Diehl has now started at every position on the line except center. I have no doubt he could handle that job, too, if he was ever asked.
Remember before the 2007 season no one seemed comfortable with the Giants plan to let Diehl move from left guard to left tackle to replace Luke Petitgout? Most figured he would be adequate at best, and plenty of folks thought he would be terrible.
Well, he has been a lot better than adequate. His ability to handle the switch solidified the Giants line. He may not be the best left tackle in the league, but he is a good one. As far as I'm concerned, he deserves to go the Pro Bowl as much as any lineman the Giants have.
Rich Seubert
When he suffered a horrific leg fracture in 2003, no one ever figured he would play in the NFL again -- much less reclaim his old job at left guard and play this well.
He returned as a fan favorite and part-time third tight end in 2005, playing in four games. He regained his starting job last season when Diehl moved to tackle.
As strong and athletic as Seubert is now, you have to wonder how good he would have been if he had never gotten hurt in the first place.
Shaun O'Hara
I can admit now that when the Giants first signed O'Hara as a free agent before the 2004 season I thought "why are the Giants signing some nobody center from the Browns? They stink, so he must stink, too."
Boy, was I wrong.
O'Hara never seems to get pushed around at the line of scrimmage, and has to get some credit for the Giants No. 1 ranking in rushing up the middle this season.
A visit to the Pro Bowl this season would be well deserved.
Chris Snee
Snee has started every game at right guard since the Giants drafted him in the second round in 2004. He long ago turned the fact that he is Tom Coughlin's son-in-law into a mere footnote in what is turning out to be a terrific career.
Snee's strength on straight-ahead runs and the fact that he is agile enough to pull on runs to the left are keys to the Giants' running success.
He should earn a trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl this year. In fact, he should have been there last season.
Kareem McKenzie
Signed as a free-agent from the Jets in 2005, the best thing about the eight-year veteran is that you hardly ever hear his name during games. He is a solid, if unspectacular, player. He rarely gets beaten badly, and he is probably the least penalized of any of the Giants' lineman, something that can often be overlooked.