Two snaps. That was the sum total of Chad Wheeler’s workload on offense in the first nine games of this season.
Wheeler was promoted this week and moved in as the starting right tackle, replacing ineffective Bobby Hart, who had stepped in for the usual starter, Justin Pugh, who is sidelined with a back injury. The Giants had seen enough of Hart, but it was a leap of faith to call on Wheeler, an undrafted rookie from USC.
“He did good … proud of him,” right guard D.J. Fluker said after Sunday’s 12-9 overtime victory over the Chiefs.
Fluker said he helped Wheeler as best he could during the week, schooling him on Justin Houston, the Chiefs’ pass-rush-happy outside linebacker. The Giants were smart about this, rarely allowing Wheeler to block Houston by himself, almost always putting tight ends Rhett Ellison or Evan Engram over on Wheeler’s side for extra help.
The result? Houston did not add to his season total of 7.5 sacks. He did not even register a quarterback hit on Eli Manning. His name was rarely called.
“I think I did well,” Wheeler said. “Obviously got some help. It was intense. He’s a savvy veteran. He has a variety of moves. He’s quick. I just had to stay in front of him. It’s a testament to Eli getting the ball out quick, D.J. Fluker helping me. It wasn’t just my effort. It was a team effort.”
Until Pugh returns, it is safe to assume Wheeler will be the starting right tackle.
Engram was called for a debatable offensive pass-interference penalty in the third quarter, nullifying what would have been a 28-yard catch to the Kansas City 3-yard line. Engram barely touched safety Eric Murray, but the flag was thrown.
“That was tough,’’ Engram said. “This is a physical game. DBs got their hands on me. I should be able to be physical back, too. I don’t agree with the call. That would have been a big play for us.’’
How rare was the fake-punt call by the Giants? It was their first called fake punt in 13 years, since Jeff Feagles threw an incomplete pass against the Cardinals on Nov. 14, 2004. This time, on fourth-and-1 in the first quarter, the direct snap went to safety Nat Berhe, who gained 2 yards and picked up the first down.
Shane Vereen’s pass on a halfback option was the first interception thrown by anyone other than Eli Manning since backup quarterback Curtis Painter threw one against the Redskins on Dec. 29, 2013, after Manning left with an ankle injury.
“Eli let me know I’m 0-for-1 with a pick,” Vereen said.
Cornerback Eli Apple missed practice Thursday and Friday for personal reasons, as his mother underwent brain surgery and is in recovery. Apple was inactive for the game.
“That was a coaching decision,’’ Ben McAdoo said. “Thought it was the right thing to do this week for him.”