EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Like members of a close-knit family, the Giants' offensive linemen are supporting each other when times get tough.
"Coming together and moving forward," interior lineman Ben Bredeson said today after practice. "Coming together and bonding together tighter than before and moving forward together as a unit.
"It's absolutely critical that we have each other's back through the highs and the lows. You got to take care of one another and just get ready for the next game."
So, that's what they're doing. The line, beset by injuries, has moved on from an unsatisfactory performance two nights ago against the Seattle Seahawks and is focused on the next challenge, Sunday in Miami against the 3-1 Dolphins.
Seven different Seahawks defenders accumulated 11 sacks; the highest total allowed by the Giants since team sacks became an official NFL statistic in 1963. Quarterback Daniel Jones was sacked 10 times – the most endured by a quarterback since Matthew Stafford, then with Detroit, was sacked 10 times in 2018 - and wide receiver Parris Campbell once.
"I think there are some situations where I can get the ball out of my hands quicker and put our offense in a better situation," Jones said.
Joshua Ezeudu, who has started the last three games at left tackle for injured All-Pro Andrew Thomas, was asked if the linemen are angered, embarrassed and/or determined.
"I would just say the mood is just – everybody is just staying very constant," Ezeudu said. "Because in this league, in this world, in life really, you can't get too up, you can't get too down. We know the work we have to do; we know that we're capable of everything that everyone says we are not. All you have to do is just keep on working, just keep on having faith."
But like in a family, faith can be shaken when people you lean on are missing. The three Giants who did not practice today are all offensive linemen: Thomas (hamstring), center John Michael Schmitz (shoulder) and guard Shane Lemieux (groin). Thomas has missed the last three games. Schmitz started Monday night and Lemieux entered the game when Schmitz was injured in the first quarter, with Ben Bredeson moving to center.
Asked if it was "out of the question" for Thomas to play in Miami, Daboll said," I don't know yet. I'd probably say leaning toward no, but not ready to make that determination."
Regarding Schmitz, Daboll said, "I don't think it's long term, we'll see where he's at. I think he's making progress; we're just going to hold him out today. We'll see where he is the next couple days. Could play but not ready today."
Right tackle Evan Neal (hand/ankle) and right guard Markus McKethan (knee) were among the seven players who were limited.
Justin Pugh, the former Giants first-round draft choice who was signed yesterday to the practice squad, will likely not provide immediate help. Daboll replied "probably not" when asked if Pugh has a chance to play Sunday. "He'll kind of work off to the side and get acclimated to some of the stuff, get ready to practice," Daboll said. "That's where we're at with Justin."
Bredeson has emerged as one of the Giants' valuable and versatile linemen. He started the first two games at left guard before suffering a concussion in the second half of the victory at Arizona on Sept. 17. Bredeson was inactive four days later in San Francisco. Against Seattle, he returned to left guard, but lasted just 11 plays there before shifting to center when Schmitz was sidelined. Lemieux took over at guard but gave way to Mark Glowinski after suffering a second half injury.
"He (Bredeson) is a smart guy, knows all our calls, had a bunch of reps in the summer," Daboll said. "It's good to have a guy that plays guard that can play center as well."
"That's why we do so much rotation during fall camp and in offseason training, so that we can always be ready for situations like that," Bredeson said. "Obviously, it's not ideal when you lose your center in the middle of a game. We want John Michael to come back as soon as possible, but that's why we have so much rotation going on in training camp so that we can be ready for this situation."
Because the center makes blocking calls at the line prior to the snap, it is a more cerebral position than guard. Even when he's not taking physical reps there, Bredeson's thought process is often at center.
"Always staying ready with mentally going over the gameplan," he said. "Like I've said before, ever since you start playing center, you approach the game as a center. I feel like it slows everything down when you're playing other positions as well. So just always being ready to go at the drop of the hat and, unfortunately, that's what we had to do on Monday when John Michael went down. It's just making sure that you can do the job and that you're ready for it every single week if the situation were to occur."
With Schmitz's status uncertain, Bredeson might not learn until shortly before gametime Sunday where he will play. Bredeson is confident the rest of the linemen and he will be ready.
"We always take care of each other," Bredeson said. "We always say you have to have your brother's back, even after a tough game or after a loss. We're all supportive of every single person on the line. That's our job to stick together and take care of one another. At some point you watch the film, you take the good from it, take the bad from it, correct the bad and just get ready for the next one."
*In the season's first three games, rookie cornerback Tre Hawkins played 148 defensive snaps, about 73% of the total. Against Seattle, he was on the field for only seven plays, all on special teams. Adoree Jackson, who had been moving inside to the slot in sub defenses, stayed outside for all 55 defensive snaps, with Cor'Dale Flott playing 30 snaps in his first action of the season.
"It was based on who we were playing, in terms of how we were matching the corners and part of the gameplan," Daboll said. "I'd say we're talking about that this week of how we want to deploy our guys and that's probably going to be a week-to-week discussion as we go though who we're playing, the matchups, how we want to play them defensively."
*Jackson replaced Eric Gray as the punt returner after the rookie running back muffed the first punt of the game. But Daboll said the change is not permanent.
"I'd say that we'll go back to him (Gray)," Daboll said. "Again, that game I just felt that was the right thing to do, based on that punter (Michael Dickson), is to let Adoree' field them after that first one and we'll go ahead, and he'll be back."
*In addition to Neal and McKethan, the players who were limited in practice were running backs Saquon Barkley (ankle) and Gary Brightwell (ankle), wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (knee), tight end Daniel Bellinger (knee) and linebacker Azeez Ojulari (hamstring).
Barkley took full team reps for the first time since hurting his ankle in Arizona on Sept. 17.
View rare photos of the all-time series between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins
Doug Kotar of the New York Giants goes flying as he is upended by Miami's Curtis Johnson in the third period at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Sept. 12, 1977. Kotar managed to advance the ball for a first down. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Mercury Morris (22) of the Miami Dolphins against New York Giants at Yankee Stadium in New York, Dec. 10, 1972. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Larry Csonka of the New York Giants is stopped after a two yard gain in the first quarter of NFL exhibition game at Giants Stadium against the Miami Dolphins, Sundays, Sept. 11, 1977 in East Rutherford. The tackle is made by Dolphins Vern Den Herder and Bob Baumhower (73), right. (AP Photo/RFS)
Miami Dolphins safety Mike Kezlowski takes to the air against New York Giants Tom Mullady in the fourth period of exhibition game. The Dolphins won the final exhibition game of the NFL pre-season 24-3 at Giants Stadium on August 26, 1983 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) reacts to a touchdown scored in the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins in East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 24, 1990. (AP Photo/Bobeto Matthews)
Running back Rodney Hampton of the New York Giants becomes airborne as he runs over Bryan Cox (51) of the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Fla., Dec. 5, 1993. Also pictured is Jarrod Bunch (33) of the Giants. (AP Photo/Wayne Fleisher)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) unloads a pass during third quarter action against the Miami Dolphins in Miami, Dec. 5, 1993. (AP Photo/Hans Deryk)
Miami Dolphins Ricky Williams(34) in action against the New York Giants on October 5, 2003 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Dolphins beat the Giants 23-10.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
Miami Dolphins runningback Ricky Williams is upended by New York Giants' Omar Stoutmire, right, and Kenny Holmes during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Miami Dolphins Sam Madison(29) in action during a game against New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on October 5, 2003. The Dolphins beat the Giants 23-10 . Sam Madison played for 12 years with 2 different teams and was a 4-time Pro Bowler.(AP Photo/David Durochik)
New York Giants qb Eli Manning calls signals against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
FILE New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs (27) is tackled by Miami Dolphins' Channing Crowder (52 ) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London on Oct. 28, 2007. Jacobs and his Giants teammates face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 11. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Miami Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon (17) scrambles against the New York Giants Kawika Mitchell (55) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants Sam Madison (29) breaks up a pass intended for the Miami Dolphins Derek Hagan (82) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Michael Strahan (92) recovers a fumble by the Miami Dolphins Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) drags tacklers against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) runs for yardage against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) is hit by Miami Dolphins Michael Lehan (22) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Brandon Jacobs (27) drags tacklers against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Fred Robbins (98) bears down on Miami Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon (17) during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Miami Dolphins Cleo Lemon (17) passes against the New York Giants during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants Reuben Droughns (22) runs against the Miami Dolphins during their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. The game was the first NFL regular season game played in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' Osi Umenyiora (72) pulls down Miami Dolphins' Jesse Chatman (28) during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
New York Giants' Sam Madison (29) contests the ball with Miami Dolphins' Derek Hagan in the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
New York Giants' Fred Robbins (98) tackles Miami Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon (17) in the third quarter of their NFL football game at Wembley Stadium, London, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Hevezi)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore, center, is sacked by New York Giants' Justin Tuck (91) and Mathias Kiwanuka (94) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 20-17. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning (10) signals to his offense during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants take on the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin talks with Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday October 30, 2011 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Miami Dolphins defensive back Jimmy Wilson (27) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith, rear, tackles New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) talks with New York Giants defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (99)m during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) recovers a fumble during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass under pressure from Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Giants defeated the Dolphins 31-24. (Kirby Lee/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) makes a call during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs the ball ahead of Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (90) and outside linebacker Quinton Coples (98), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) winds to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) runs off the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants Quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball past Miami Dolphins defensive end Avery Moss (93) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jomal Wiltz (33) tries to stop New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) holds on to the ball as he gets past Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2019, file photo, Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in the second half of an NFL football game, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants have placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. The Giants announced the move Monday, March 16, 2020.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger, Fle)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Miami Dolphins free safety Adrian Colbert (36) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) holds on in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball as Miami Dolphins defensive back Nik Needham (40) holds on in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants linebacker Oshane Ximines (53) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants QB Eli Manning (10) and RB Saquon Barkley (26) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants WR Sterling Shepard (87) during a week 15 game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari (51) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Saquon Barkley (26)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a week 13 football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday December 5th, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida
Azeez Ojulari (51)
Elerson Smith (94)
Saquon Barkley (26)
Azeez Ojulari (51)
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