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Justin Pugh, in his fourth season with the New York Giants and finally entrenched at the left guard spot, believes he is having the best season of his four-year career.
The 2013 first-round pick said “yes” when asked Tuesday if this had been his best season to date.
“I’ve rotated so much from right and left tackle to guard. It’s been nice to be at that same position throughout the year because I’ve been able to capitalize on some nuances and tricks of the trade. Last year it was left guard for a few games and left tackle for a few games. Making that transition is tough. Trying to go back to left guard while you’re in that tackle mindset. It’s been nice to be in the same position,” Pugh said. “I think I’m going to get better and better at the position. Coach [Mike] Solari has helped me get better and better as well.”
Pugh spent his first two seasons starting at right tackle. He started at left guard last season. but due to injuries he also played games at left and right tackle.
“I’ve been doing some good things. I always say, I don’t have the best technique in the world. It’s something I always try to work on. Coach Solari is always on me about getting my technique better and better. I’m going to go out there and fight. That’s something I always do. No matter what happens, I’m going to go out there and battle. Whoever I’m going across, they’re going to know that they were in a football game that day. That’s something that I try and take pride in,” Pugh said. “At the end of the day, offensive line play is not about one person. It’s all about the five guys up front. We have to be a unit. It’s protecting each other. I think this is the best group I’ve been a part of and this is the most fun I’ve had playing.”
Roster move — Tyler Ott signed
The Giants, apparently concerned about the ankle injury long-snapper Zad DeOssie suffered against the Baltimore Ravens, Tuesday signed long-snapper Tyler Ott to the practice squad. Ott snapped for the giants in the final game of the 2015 season, and lost a training camp competition with DeOssie for the job this summer.
This milestone caused a dilemma
The 300th touchdown pass of Eli Manning’s career was also the first touchdown reception — and actual first NFL catch — for Giants’ wide receiver Roger Lewis. So, who kept the ball? Lewis did, and Manning didn’t mind.
“I’ve got 300 other ones,” the quarterback said.