The New York Giants hit a new low on Sunday, falling to 2-13 after a humiliating 34-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The game marked the team’s 10th consecutive defeat, a franchise-worst streak that perfectly encapsulates this disastrous season. While there are many culprits behind this debacle, the offensive line—and specifically right tackle Evan Neal—was once again front and center in the chaos.
This season has been a masterclass in dysfunction. From Drew Lock’s multiple pick-sixes to a defense that couldn’t contain rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. making his first NFL start, the team has failed in nearly every aspect of the game. The lack of leadership and consistent execution has been glaring, and with just two games left, there’s little hope for a turnaround.
Despite all the struggles, one of the most disheartening storylines has been Evan Neal's continued regression. The former first-round pick, drafted seventh overall in 2022, was supposed to be a cornerstone for the offensive line. That has not gone according to plan.
Evan Neal looked more Michael Phelps than an offensive lineman
At times during Sunday’s game, it was hard to tell if Evan Neal was playing offensive tackle or practicing his breaststroke. His attempted cut block in the third quarter looked less like a football move and more like an audition for a swim team, as he fell to the turf while Falcons edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie breezed by untouched.
The result? A tipped pass that linebacker Matthew Judon returned for a pick-six, one of two thrown by Drew Lock in the game.
Neal’s struggles didn’t stop there. The right tackle was flagged for three false start penalties, including two critical mistakes on the Giants’ final offensive drive. Combine that with constant miscommunications with right guard Greg Van Roten, and it was a recipe for disaster. Neal and Van Roten looked like strangers meeting for the first time, allowing pressure from every angle and leaving Lock to fend for himself.
To his credit, Neal owned up to his mistakes after the game, acknowledging that his performance was far from acceptable. “I probably could have thrown a better cut,” Neal said of the play that led to the pick-six, a quote that perfectly sums up his season: well-intentioned, but not nearly good enough.
For a player drafted as a cornerstone of the Giants’ rebuild, Neal’s regression is one of the most concerning developments of this lost season. His technique remains inconsistent, his decision-making questionable, and his impact negligible. The Giants’ offensive line as a whole has been a weak spot for years, but Neal’s inability to anchor the right side has been a glaring problem.
With just two games left in the season, the Giants must evaluate whether Neal can still be part of their long-term plans. His physical tools and size are undeniable, but his repeated struggles suggest that a change may be necessary. If the Giants are serious about rebuilding, they can’t afford to keep hoping for progress that may never come.
As his third year in the NFL wraps up, it’s fair to wonder if his future in New York is sinking as fast as his ill-fated cut block on Sunday.