New York native Greg Van Roten is no stranger to the difficult times the Giants and Jets have gone through over the past decade.
Van Roten was a member of the 2020 Jets, who lost 13 straight games to start the season and finished with a 2-14 record.
As such, his experience this season with the Giants seems tolerable after a blowout in the last 10 games, but a 3-13 record entering Sunday's final game of the season against the Eagles. It will be done.
“That Jets team wasn't as good as this team,” Van Roten told the Post. “In 2020, we were getting beat up. This team was competitive the whole time. We were in almost every game…but all three phases in the same game were firing on all cylinders. I couldn't fathom that it would be a hit. It gets worse when hope is gone.”
The 2020 Jets, quarterbacked by Sam Darnold and Joe Flacco, were outscored by 214 points.
The 2024 Giants are behind by 135 points, partly because they had a plus-24 point in the fourth quarter when they caught up.
“It's frustrating because we shouldn't be 3-13, but we are,” Van Roten said. “This is a more talented roster, but you are who your record says you are. You feel better when you look back — say whatever you want to say to yourself to help you sleep at night.” But we've still lost 13 games, and we still have a lot of games to lose.”
The NFL's COVID-19 safety restrictions “added even more misery” to the 2020 season.
Local friends and family were unable to attend the game because the stadium was empty.
Whether he starts at center or right guard on Sunday, the 34-year-old Van Roten has a chance to be the only Giant to play in all situations on offense and defense this season.
Not bad for a 10-year veteran who was a free agent until July 30th.
Van Roten also became the unofficial leader late in the season, as the Giants lost four of their five co-captains to season-ending injuries or releases.
“This just shows that I'm working in the right way in terms of preparing for the season,” Van Roten said. I think it makes sense in that sense. ”
LB Micah McFadden (neck), RT Evan Neal (ribs/hip), C John Michael Schmitz (ankle), and CB Greg Stroman (shin) will not play. DL Armon Watts (knee surgery) was placed on injured reserve.
The Giants will likely line up the offensive line with Jermaine Elemunor, Jake Kubas, Van Roten, Aaron Stinney, and either Chris Hubbard or Tire Phillips on the left.
What's interesting is that Josh Ezeudu, who started the season as a swing tackle for the Giants, isn't even considered when healthy.
Hubbard and Phillips were in-season additions.
