We're three days removed from the NY Giants heartbreaking loss to the Bills and the refs (we kid). We won't lie to you: it still hurts. However, it's time for Brian Daboll and Co. to flush the defeat and focus on trying to capture win No. 2 on the campaign.
Despite falling to 1-5 on the season, there were plenty of positives from the showdown in Buffalo. On both sides of the ball, plenty of guys impressed and have won back some trust from the Big Blue faithful. The list includes one of the most controversial guys of the year thus far:
4. OT Evan Neal stepped his game up
We've been hard on Evan Neal in 2023, but can you blame us? Throughout September and early October, he was simply tough to watch and him calling out the fanbase was a terrible look. However, as much as you might have hated those comments from the former No. 7 overall pick, there's no denying that Neal took a positive step forward vs. Buffalo.
Was he looking like a superstar right tackle? No, absolutely not and there was even a play that went viral of pass-rusher Von Miller blowing right past him. However, despite Neal allowing three pressures on the night, he held his own for most of the game in pass protection and he also helped open up some big holes for Saquon Barkley, especially in the second half.
Back to back weeks Evan Neal is showing signs of improvement even with an ankle injury… likely won’t be discussed very much bc of the lack of scoring on offense but he has put together much better tape of late & I hope he continues to improve, bc the Giants desperately need him.
— Big Blue United (@BigBlueUnited) October 16, 2023
The offensive line as a whole, a make-shift unit, showed signs of life. Justin Pugh started at guard but then had to make his way over to left tackle when Joshua Ezeudu got hurt. He had some rough moments himself, but come on, the guy went from the couch to playing in a primetime showdown. As for Neal, we want to see him keep making strides. Another strong showing vs. Washington could be huge for his confidence level.