Runyan Reflects on Giants Offensive Line vs. Vikings

There wasn’t much praise to go around after the New York Giants’ nightmare of a season opener.

On Sunday, New York lost to the Minnesota Vikings 28-6, leaving the field to a chorus of disapproval . Among the targets of the fan base’s disapproval was quarterback Daniel Jones and a defense that got picked apart by journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold.

The offensive line played well, but shared in the misery.

On Monday, left guard Jon Runyan Jr. reflected on his unit’s performance.

“There's a lot to like from what we put out there (in) our first game,” Runyan said . “But, definitely a lot more that we could do better. I think we did a decent job in pass protection. A big part for us, with us being such a veteran offensive line, is being able to establish the run game early so the guys back there and the coaching staff feels more comfortable in being able to call those run plays early on in the game where we can get moving and you know start stacking plays and putting our offense into a groove.”

It quickly became apparent that the Giants had bigger issues than their five men up front. Jones brought on much of the pressure he endured to himself by holding onto the ball too long and being reckless with his pocket navigation.

On the ground, New York saw similar struggles.

In his Giants debut, running back Devin Singletary managed just 37 yards on 10 attempts. Backup running backs Eric Gray and Tyrone Tracy Jr. combined to rush four times for eight yards.

“For whatever reason I don't think we were able to establish our run game early and got into the more drop back part of the game,” Runyan said. “A lot to like from where we were. We're by no means a finished product, we still have a lot to go. That's why we're here. It's (onto) Monday and building towards next week now.”

Related: Giants Notebook: Jones Struggles, Defense Toothless

Runyan himself had a fine debut, as did guard Greg Van Roten and tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. But when decimation is in the forecast like it was on Sunday, everybody is going to hear about it – fair or not.

He and the rest of his Giants teammates will get a chance to get the season back on track against the Washington Commanders next Sunday, hoping to return home in Week 4 to more welcoming arms.