Evan Neal made his return to the right tackle position for the Giants, but his triumphant comeback was cut short when he suffered an ankle injury. Despite this setback, Neal felt he played decently in his first game back after almost a year. He acknowledged that there were areas he needed to improve, especially in pass protection where he gave up a sack. However, Neal remained optimistic about his injury, stating that he felt okay and didn’t believe it was a serious issue.
Coach Brian Daboll opted to protect most of the starters for the Giants’ preseason finale against the Jets, but Neal was not included in this group. Coming off ankle surgery in January and starting training camp on the PUP list, Neal has faced setbacks and relinquished his starting role to Jermaine Eluemunor. Despite the challenges he has faced, Neal was happy to be back on the field playing football with his teammates.
Neal still has work to do to prove himself to the Giants and the fan base, especially after a rocky start in his rookie season. Criticism from fans and struggles on the field have made Neal a target for discontent among supporters. However, Neal remains focused on improving his game and making a return to form as a dominant force on the offensive line.
Facing adversity early in his career, Neal has learned from his mistakes and experiences in the NFL. He understands the need to continue working on his craft and not take his position for granted. The change in offensive line coaches from Bobby Johnson to Carmen Bricillo may provide Neal with a fresh perspective and new opportunities to develop his skills.
Despite past challenges and criticisms, Neal is determined to overcome his setbacks and prove himself as a valuable asset to the Giants. He remains grateful for the opportunity to play football again and is committed to improving his game. With a renewed focus and dedication to his craft, Neal hopes to shed the label of a bust and show his potential as a top-tier offensive lineman in the league.
As he continues to face challenges and criticism from fans and media, Neal remains steadfast in his commitment to improving and proving his worth. With the support of his coaches and teammates, Neal is determined to bounce back from his early struggles and establish himself as a key player for the Giants. Only time will tell if Neal can turn his setbacks into successes and silence his critics once and for all.
