4 players who must get right for the NY Giants against the Bengals

Despite the NY Giants defeating the Patriots 23-21 last week, some players still had rough performances, leaving fans wanting more from them. While yes, it is the preseason, some of these showings have carried over from training camp, causing people to become worried.

Typically, you expect some of the players further down on the depth chart to struggle a bit. However, the NY Giants saw some of their key starters/contributors play poorly against the Patriots. If they want to remain in Brian Daboll’s good graces, they’ve got to step it up a notch. Here’s a look at four guys who must perform better this weekend vs. the Bengals.

4. OL Evan Neal

While Evan Neal certainly wasn’t “bad” against the Patriots, his play left some things to be desired. For starters, one of the only concerns with Neal’s game coming out of college was his balance. This was put on full display this game, as on a couple of occasions, Neal put too much of his body weight forward, and would either fall, or have this weight used against him.

Despite this, I am not worried about Neal in the slightest, as not only did he have several great plays this game, he is also a rookie tackle who was forced to switch positions – you’re going to see a slip up every now and then.

Neal is an athletic phenom with loads of potential to be an elite offensive lineman in this league. If NY Giants fans learned anything about offensive linemen the last three years, it is that sometimes you have to wait for them to develop.

Throughout training camp thus far, Neal has had several up and down performances, which will come when a player has balance issues. When he maintains it, he is absolutely dominant, but when he doesn’t, it can look very rough. If Neal can come out and dominate this week against the Bengals, the doubt surrounding him and his play will quickly fade.

3. OL Josh Ezeudu

In similar fashion to Neal, Josh Ezeudu had a very up and down game. While he made some very good plays at times, at others he looked pretty bad. However, remember that he is also a rookie, and we are going to see some bumps along the way. It is more likely that Ezeudu just simply needs more time than it is a talent issue.

While Ezeudu had some very good pass blocking reps, his time as a blocker in the run game did not go as well as anticipated. Ezeudu would often just be overpowered, such as in this clip here:

The only reason Ezeudu’s play is of concern right now is because of starting guard Shane Lemieux’s toe injury, which could potentially cause him to miss some time. If that ends up being the case, Ezeudu must improve quickly in order to help out quarterback Daniel Jones.

While it is currently unknown how much time Lemieux will miss, If Ezeudu can come out and perform well in Lemieux’s spot throughout the preseason, he could potentially earn significant playing time moving forward. Ezeudu will be playing some very important snaps moving forward until Lemieux can return.

2. CB Aaron Robinson

Entering the season, second year cornerback Aaron Robinson seemed prime to compete for the CB2 spot behind Adoree’ Jackson. However, after his extremely poor showing against the Patriots, it seems as if he may not be ready for that role.

While the two pass deflections are very nice, for the most part Robinson played poorly, being targeted time and time again during his duration on the field. However, with the breakout of Darnay Holmes during camp, the NY Giants issue at CB2 may be solved for now. Regardless, something needs to be done about Robinson if this poor play continues

Robinson did make a couple of plays, including a nice pass deflection that was called back on an Andrew Adams penalty. However, the Patriots ran the exact same play the next snap and Robinson was burned for a 33 yard catch. Following this, Robinson would allow a TD to end the possession.

Despite all of this, while there is reason to be concerned about Robinson, he is likely just not ready for such a big role and needs more time to develop. However, only time will tell if this will be the case or not. He must have a strong showing against the Bengals, especially with Cincy’s starting offense not taking the field.

1. WR Kenny Golladay

Following a putrid performance against the Patriots, couple with a not-so-great training camp, many NY Giants fans have called for Kenny Golladay to be traded from the team, as the effort and level of play he displayed was very poor.

Whether it be his lack of release/effort on a fade route, or his lazy route running on a would-have-been TD throw, the level of effort Golladay showed was inexcusable and his drop against the Patriots had people fuming.

https://twitter.com/BenBrownPL/status/1557868655077113856?s=20&t=eKXCWv3mdpJJMb7-WORr9g

This lack of effort has been something that’s plagued Golladay all training camp. It is unknown as to whether he is dealing with some sort of injury, or is just flat out not trying. Regardless, Golladay needs to improve, or folks will continue to call for him to either get sent out of town, or to the bench.

Golladay ended the game vs. New England with one catch for six yards. While it is obviously the preseason, the amount of times he was targeted compared to his catches is quite worrisome. In order to earn the respect of the fans back, Golladay must work quickly to fix this lack of effort and determination. A good way to start would be this week against the Bengals. We’d love to see a TD from the wideout. It’s time to live up to that four-year, $72 million deal.