EAST RUTHERFORD -- As far as offensive lineman go, this was Babe Ruth calling his shot.

Giants offensive line coach Mike Solari and running backs coach Craig Johnson were speaking to the team's backs on the sideline early in Sunday's 23-10 win over the Broncos. Right guard D.J. Fluker joined the group and instructed running back Orleans Darkwa to "hit it. He'll reach out and I'm going to pancake him."

Fluker proved to be a man of his word when he flattened Broncos defensive end Adam Gotsis to spring Darkwa for a 47-yard run early in the second quarter.

"The thing I always say when we're on the sideline is, 'Hey, run with authority,' " Fluker recalled. "I said, 'This is your offensive line. If it's not going well, you come to the sideline and you tell us.' You got to have a running back who demands you do better for him. At the end of the day, we need him. That's why I always tell him every game, 'Run with authority. We've got your back.' I think that builds confidence."

NYG OL wasn’t stellar, but played a tough front



Nice trap block by D.J. Fluker here (highest graded OL - 75.7 overall, 18th/61 Guards) pic.twitter.com/xZS2LbqOhu — Ryan Smith (@PFF_Smith) October 18, 2017

Fluker had another pancake block on a trap later in the game. It's no coincidence that the Giants' rushing attack finally started showing signs of life after the 6-foot-5, 339-pound Fluker was inserted into the lineup.

Fluker was a healthy scratch in Week 1 and then played only special teams in the next two games. He earned a start in a 25-23 loss to the Bucs in Week 4 and the Giants, who had averaged 48.7 yards rushing in the first three games, picked up 91 yards on the ground.

In a puzzling coaching decision, the ex-Charger returned to the bench against his former team in Week 5. But Fluker entered the lineup for John Jerry at right guard on the third series and the Giants went on to rush for 152 yards on 25 carries.

Fluker earned another start at right guard against the Broncos and the Giants ran for 148 yards on 32 carries against the league's best rushing defense.

"I think it started with the game we played against the Chargers," Fluker said. "I feel like we were just going out and pounding the rock and passing when we needed to pass. I was like, 'Man, this feels great!' I started feeling my mojo back. I was like, this is what I needed right here to get comfortable running the ball."

The Giants are averaging 130.3 yards rushing in the three games since Fluker entered the lineup. Offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan said Fluker's pancake blocks give the team a spark.

"The physicality that we had seen in previous games was definitely on display (Sunday) night," Sullivan said. "He's a guy that just brings a lot of energy. He's a fun guy to be around. He loves football. His strengths are going to be his strength and his size. The more we can try to do the things that are going to accentuate that, I think that's going to put him in a good position."

Fluker was open about how difficult it was to sit for the first three games and he admitted it was "a little frustrating" not to start against the Chargers in Week 5. But he vowed to make the most of his opportunity when it arrived. That time is now.

"It just took a while. I just had to be humble and be patient," Fluker said. "Every day isn't promised to me. I'm taking it one day at a time. It's a long season. Anything can happen. I'm just trying to win today."

Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.