With the Dallas Cowboys heading to MetLife Stadium on Monday night, everyone in the area is hoping the New York Giants can improve to 3-0. Few things are sweeter than bringing down America’s Team, especially in primetime.
That being said, there are a few players on the NY Giants who are going to have to step up big time this week in order to help secure this victory. We have seen multiple players such as Jihad Ward, Richie James, etc. who have stepped up big time throughout the short season thus far. If these players are able to do the same, then we truly believe the NY Giants will win their third game in a row this Monday.
Others will need to step up, though. In this piece, we take a look at three under-the-radar guys who we think will answer the call.
3. OT Evan Neal
It is somewhat odd to list a player of Evan Neal’s reputation as “under-the-radar”, however, his slow start, combined with the fact that he will likely be matched up with Cowboys superstar Micah Parsons, means Neal will have to step up in a huge way.
Neal certainly hasn’t been bad so far this season, but he has been far from perfect. This is to be expected as a rookie offensive lineman. Throughout the NY Giants first two games, Neal has only allowed one sack, with a 44.6 PFF player grade, which honestly does not make any sense at all.
Yes, Neal has not been the best thus far, but a 44.6? That is just laughable. Obviously PFF is not the be-all-end-all for determining how good a player is, but that doesn’t make this grade any better.
Regardless, Neal will likely face the aforementioned Parsons, who leads the NFL in sacks thus far. Meaning we could see struggles continue, but if Neal is able to step up in a huge way, things could change.
The offensive line of the NY Giants has played quite poorly to start the season outside of Andrew Thomas – making it very difficult for the NY Giants offense to gain momentum at times. Considering the pass-rushers they are facing this week, we could see a continuation of these struggles. However, if Neal is able to at the very least slow down Parsons, we could see some electricity out of this NY Giants offense.