How Andrew Thomas became most valuable NY Giants offensive player not named Daniel Jones

TAMPA, Fla. - Andrew Thomas spent part of the last month breaking down the technique and performance of a player integral to his success and failure during his rookie season.

He watched video of himself, and not the offensive lineman whose emergence has received positive reviews this season, but the one whose play was heavily criticized.

A year ago, Thomas was called one of league's biggest busts, the worst of the four tackles selected in the Top 13 picks of the 2020 NFL Draft.

As he preps to return to action Monday night against the Buccaneers, the 22-year-old Thomas is the Giants' most valuable offensive player not named Daniel Jones.

"I wouldn’t say a different player, but I would say definitely more experienced," Thomas said, asked whether he recognizes the player he was versus the player he has become. "I understand the game a lot better with the scheme, my offensive line technique, and things like that, so I'm excited to get back out there."

Thomas has missed three games since he was rolled up on during the Giants' loss to the Rams, causing him to land on injured reserve with a sprained left ankle to go along with a right foot sprain that he had been playing through.

The expectation is that Thomas will be activated from IR by Monday's 4 p.m. deadline, and that he'll be out there at left tackle with Matt Peart sliding back over to right tackle and competing with Nate Solder for reps there.

The Giants have not publicly committed to having Thomas back - they've done the same with Saquon Barkley, who is also expected to return against the Bucs - but both players have been trending in that direction with encouraging work in practice.

"I think we’ve all seen his progression," Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett said of Thomas. "He’s going to be a hell of a football player for a long time, so he’s one of those guys [that is a cornerstone of the offensive line]."

Thomas endured his share of ups and downs last season, and his uneven performance brought criticism, especially with the Jets' Mekhi Becton, the Buccaneers' Tristan Wirfs and the Browns' Jedrick Willis drawing praise in their rookie seasons.

Overmatched at times as a rookie, Thomas kept things quiet in his spot at left tackle over the first month of the season. His presence had a trickle down effect on the entire unit, which is on its fourth left guard and second center since the year began.

Thomas is focused on improving his technique and execution in the running game, where he identified lapses in fitting double teams and being more forceful in space.

"Every snap, he's gotten tighter with his foot work, his hands, keeping his hands independent of his feet, staying on the inside half playing long using his athleticism," Giants offensive line coach Rob Sale said of Thomas, who allowed 57 pressures last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

The former Georgia star has given up just seven pressures in five games this year, and the challenge against Tampa is a daunting one with Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaq Barrett taking aim at the quarterback.

"That’s the focus: that any time I’m on the field, I’m dominating," Thomas said. "I’m doing everything I can. That just comes with watching film, understanding my technique, and making sure I don’t lose anything on the field with the reps I’ve gotten this week. Just making sure I get my technique back."

Thomas tried to downplay his responsibility within the Giants' offense when a reporter fired back with a joke Saturday intended to highlight the significance and importance of his presence in protecting Jones and making the unit click.

Reporter: "There’s a movie called ‘The Blind Side’ though, there’s not a movie called ‘Left Guard.’"

To which Thomas replied with a laugh: "I agree, but when you play people like Aaron Donald, then it doesn’t matter."

Having Thomas back matters to the Giants, especially if he picks up where he left off.

Logan Ryan out, Saquon questionable

The Giants have declared safety Logan Ryan out for Monday's game after placing him on the COVID-19/reserve list. Saquon Barkley is listed as questionable.

This essentially confirms Ryan's PCR test came back positive as the Giants were awaiting the results after his rapid test popped as positive on Friday morning.

Once placed on COVID/reserve, Ryan is ineligible to return until he clears protocols for vaccinated players. He needs to be asymptomatic for 48 hours and then produce two negative tests 24 hours apart.

Ryan's absence is a blow to the Giants' secondary against a talented Tampa Bay offense featuring Tom Brady and weapons including Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Rob Gronkowski. Antonio Brown was declared out by the Bucs.

The Giants will likely put more on Xavier McKinney's plate and turn to Julian Love in the starting lineup with J.R. Reed - signed off the Rams' practice squad when Jabrill Peppers was lost for the season - possibly seeing more of a game day role on defense.

Art Stapleton is the Giants beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Giants analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and sign up for our NFC East newsletter.  

Email: stapleton@northjersey.com 

Twitter: @art_stapleton