Brett Jones Reportedly To Start — And The D.J. Fluker Debate Rages

Offensive lineman Brett Jones will reportedly return to the lineup for the New York Giants this week. The first question is where will he play? The second question is how much more Internet vitriol can we spew arguing about the performance of D.J. Fluker on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

First, let’s deal with Jones. He moved into the lineup at left guard Week 2 when right tackle Bobby Hart went out with an ankle injury. He started Week 3. He was replaced by Fluker, who played right guard with John Jerry moving to left guard, Week 4 due to an apparent hip injury. Jones ended up playing 22 snaps, anyway, filling in at center when Weston Richburg left the game with a concussion.

So, where will Jones play? My guess is center, with coach Ben McAdoo admitting Tuesday that Richburg is in the NFL’s concussion protocol. It could be guard, though, if Richburg is cleared. Which means Fluker could be back to the bench. Or, maybe Jerry is out.

Which brings us to Fluker.

You probably know by now that Pro Football Focus was, umm, unimpressed by Fluker’s play on Sunday.

You might know that Chris disagrees — vehemently:

“I did not see this (the poor grade). I did not see this at all and I agree with Duke, to the point where I wonder whether they watched the same game that I (we) did ... Or whether they’re struggling to tell their left from their right.”

Chris was referring to offensive line expert Duke Manyweather, who was also critical of the grade given to Fluker.

You might also know that I also strongly disagree with the PFF grade:

Former NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz also liked what he saw from Fluker:

PFF’s Giants correspondent, Ryan Smith, jumped all over the news about Jones — even though we have no idea who Jones is actually going to replace in the lineup.

How did the Giants feel about Fluker’s play? I really don’t know. What will the offensive line look like Sunday vs. the Los Angeles should be San Diego Chargers? Don’t know that, either. We will find out Sunday.

In the meantime, argue away.