New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas has appeared in just six of the team’s 10 games this season but in those six games, he’s played exceptionally well.
In fact, Thomas is arguably the Giants’ offensive MVP headed into Week 12. His importance is second only to quarterback Daniel Jones, and DJ’s success/failure is tied directly to Thomas.
That’s good news for the Giants, who were left wondering if Thomas was a bust after a less-than-stellar rookie campaign.
But the breakout is here and Pro Football Focus recognizes it, listing Thomas among second-year breakout players of 2021 (note: this was published prior to a Week 12 game).
OT ANDREW THOMAS, NEW YORK GIANTS
Thomas took as much heat as any first-rounder last year after the fourth overall pick was outperformed by the three tackles drafted after him — Jedrick Wills Jr., Mekhi Becton and Tristan Wirfs — in 2020. Through five games this season before a foot injury, he was a completely different player. After allowing 10 sacks and 57 total pressures as a rookie, Thomas hasn’t given up a sack this season and has only yielded seven total pressures.
Thomas’ pass protection remained equally as strong against a fierce Tampa Bay Buccaneers front on Monday night. He did allow his first sack of the season, but still graded out at 70.9 overall.
The key for Thomas moving forward is health. A foot injury really hurt his production in 2020 and he’s already missed four games this season due to foot and ankle issues. The consistency in his play is a plus, but you can’t help your team from the cold tub.
