Let’s break down Neals performance in his first real action of 2024
The New York Giants started Evan Neal in Week 10 for the first time in 2024. Neal returned from offseason ankle surgery and rehabilitation toward the end of training camp. Turbulence plagued Neal’s first two years, as injuries and poor play seemingly marred his confidence.
The Giants are more than two years removed from selecting Neal No. 7 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, and they were hesitant to give Neal a shot at starting. Andrew Thomas suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 6. Brian Daboll and the Giants gave Josh Ezeudu the initial opportunity and then signed Chris Hubbard off the 49ers’ practice squad to start two games.
Neither Ezeudu nor Hubbard stabilized the line, so the Giants moved Jermaine Eluemunor to left tackle, which opened up the opportunity to start Neal on the right side. The Giants’ overall offensive line was solid against one of the worst defenses in the league. Neal appeared more confident and decisive.
According to NFL Pro, Evan Neal allowed just one pressure on 41 pass block snaps (2.4%), setting a career-low in pressure rate allowed (min 10. pass blocks). Neal faced Jadeveon Clowney on 27 pass rush matchups, allowing his sole pressure on the day (3.7% pressure rate allowed).
Neal shone as a run blocker. He executed play-side and back-side blocks well, created creases when base blocking, and reached well. Pro Football Focus had an elite 93.4 run-blocking grade. Neal’s pass-blocking was graded at 80.6 — these were career-high single-game grades for Neal.
Offensive line coaches Carmen Bricillio and James Ferentz deserve credit for assisting Neal and ensuring he was positioned to succeed. Theo Johnson helped Neal out often, but not always. I was impressed with the communication between Greg Van Roten and John Michael Schmitz, who worked well to help Neal.
Neal looked solid in his return; some issues persist, and I’m uncertain if they’re rectifiable. Still, the 24-year-old saw the football field in 2024 and played well. That’s a step in the right direction. The breakdown is below: please leave a comment and let us know what you think.
