Why Giants may turn to rookie lineman Marcus Mbow over James Hudson if Andrew Thomas remains out
The Giants' James Hudson III jogs off the field after a play in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys on Sep. 14 in Arlington, Texas. Credit: AP/Julio Cortez
Through training camp, the Giants praised James Hudson’s edge and fiery attitude at left tackle, but coach Brian Daboll warned about crossing a fine line and not going overboard.
That line was crossed last Sunday when Hudson made the wrong history by committing four penalties on the opening drive. It was the first time this century that happened in the NFL, and Hudson promptly was benched for rookie Marcus Mbow.
Two penalties were for unnecessary roughness, including one in which Hudson slapped the helmet of an incoming rusher and knocked him down. While Daboll argued that one of the four penalties — a false start — wasn’t on Hudson but on communication issues, Hudson took full ownership Wednesday.
“I can’t do that,” he said when asked what he told the team. “That’s on me, 100%. Just let’s move forward.”
Hudson has filled in for Andrew Thomas with the starters since the spring since being signed in free agency. He held his own but was at the center of one fight with Brian Burns during OTAs. In training camp, he had to be separated from teammates after things got heated during one-on-one drills.
Yet the experiment might be over soon, perhaps even Sunday night when the Giants host Kansas City. Thomas, who hasn’t played since a Lisfranc foot injury last October, increased his workload this week at practice. He still was designated as a limited participant on Thursday, but Daboll sounded more optimistic about his progress.
“We’ll go [Friday], see where he’s at, see how he feels,” Daboll said. “He has to feel the right way, but it’s a good sign with the next step of the progression and he felt good after going a number of reps.”
Thomas’ return could render moot any debate about Hudson’s future as a starter. But Hudson’s play during that fateful drive, which included giving up a sack, opened a door for Mbow to give a strong audition as a swing tackle.
After playing two snaps in the season opener, Mbow played 51 last Sunday. According to Next Gen Stats, he had 36 pass blocks and allowed only two pressures on Russell Wilson. It was impressive for someone who was a right tackle his last two seasons at Purdue but has played both tackle spots since the spring.
“I hold a very high standard for myself. I try to be the best version of myself each day,” Mbow said. “I try not to over- glorify or underestimate anybody. I try to prepare as hard as I can for whoever I’m about to play against. I expect to go in there and play good, but it’s what I prepare for.”
Mbow’s play gives the Giants another option. If Thomas can’t play Sunday, will Hudson remain the starter or should the Giants trust their rookie tackle?
With Kansas City, the Giants would risk sending Mbow out against a defense helmed by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo is known for an unorthodox, blitz-heavy scheme that can throw offensive linemen and quarterbacks off balance.
They also could allow Hudson to earn back trust. He was surprised that he didn’t re-enter the game last week but said his job is to keep showing up and bringing the energy that endeared him to the Giants in the first place.
Of course, that also means doing a better job of reining in his emotions.
“It’s not hard because I’m a smart player at the end of the day,” Hudson said. “This is the first time that this situation has came up in my career, so it won’t happen again.”
Whether Thomas returns Sunday or later, the Giants hope Hudson honors that word. If not, there’s a growing trust in Mbow to step in, with Daboll calling the rookie a young professional.
It’s not the same as having a former All-Pro in Thomas protecting Wilson’s blind side. But if Thomas remains out, the Giants could turn to Mbow instead of Hudson, and Mbow is prepared if that happens.
“Just keeping your body ready, keeping your mind ready,” he said. “Telling yourself when it’s time to go, it’s time to go. You never know when your number’s gonna get called.”
Injury updates
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) returned to practice but was listed as a limited participant . . . DL Chauncey Golston (ankle) and LB Darius Muasau (concussion/eye) didn’t practice Thursday.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
