Title: Evan Neal’s Journey to Redemption: Overcoming Adversity as a Giants Offensive Lineman
Evan Neal, the Giants’ seventh pick in the 2022 NFL draft, found himself back on the field at his old RT position after a year of absence due to ankle surgery. However, his return was short-lived as he suffered an ankle injury early in the game against the Jets. Despite his setback, Neal remained optimistic and expressed satisfaction with his performance, particularly in the run game. He acknowledged that there were areas for improvement, such as pass protection, where he gave up a sack and took a bad set angle (source).
Neal clarified that the ankle injury was not the reason for his early exit from the game. He was only expected to play a limited number of reps and happened to get rolled up on during the 21st play. While he planned to undergo further evaluation, he felt okay and did not believe it was a serious concern (source).
As Neal strives to solidify his place as the Giants’ starting right tackle, he faces the challenge of proving himself to the team and the fan base. Despite previous criticism, there is no doubt that the 6-foot-7, 350-pound lineman possesses immense potential. The Giants’ hope was that Neal could use this preseason game as a stepping stone towards his comeback (source).
In the past, Neal faced backlash from Giants fans for his performance, particularly in pass protection. However, he remained unfazed by the criticism, quoting, “Why would a lion concern himself with the opinion of a sheep?” Neal’s focus was on his game and not allowing negativity to affect him. With fewer Giants fans present at the Jets home game, Neal had the opportunity to focus solely on his performance (source).
The Giants’ offensive line coach change from Bobby Johnson to Carmen Bricillo may prove beneficial for Neal. He spoke highly of Bricillo’s teaching abilities and his approach to allowing players to maintain their individuality while still fitting into the team’s scheme. Neal appreciates the opportunity to learn and adapt under Bricillo’s guidance (source).
Neal’s journey as a Giants offensive lineman has not been without its challenges. From struggling in his first preseason game as a rookie to being criticized by fans, he has had to prove himself repeatedly. However, he remains confident in his abilities and believes in taking each day as an opportunity to improve. Neal understands the importance of learning from mistakes and gaining valuable experience to become a better player (source).
As Neal continues his quest for redemption and success, it is ultimately up to him to transform any doubts of being a bust into a resounding boom. With determination and the support of his coaches and teammates, Evan Neal has the potential to become a dominant force on the Giants’ offensive line and fulfill the vision the team had when they drafted him (source).
