When the New York Giants were eliminated by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the NFL players, Jerry Reese and the front office began to create a checklist for 2017.
Add a big-bodied wide receiver? Check.
Add a fullback? Check.
Bring back Jason Pierre-Paul? Check.
The most important upgrade, however, belonged on the offensive line. When it came to pass protection, the fivesome of Ereck Flowers, Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg, John Jerry and Bobby Hart — with contributions from Marshall Newhouse and Brett Jones as well — excelled, as Eli Manning was sacked just 22 times, the third least in all of football.