Evan Neal's standout Week 10 performance offers silver lining amid Giants' struggles

Neal has greatly struggled in his time with New York, battling injuries and being a key contributor to the offensive line allowing a historic 85 sacks last season. The former No. 7 pick lost his starting spot to offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor this year. He wasn't considered good enough to step in when left tackle Andrew Thomas underwent season-ending surgery, however, with the Giants' backup options in Joshua Ezeudu and Chris Hubbard failing to step up, Neal was given another shot at right tackle while Eluemunor moved to the left side. He didn't disappoint. 

Granted, this comes in a game where the Giants offense could only score 17 points against the worst defense in the NFL, but with good news in short supply, New York's fans will probably take a shot at a Neal redemption story. Even Giants general manager Joe Schoen — who has taken heat for a premium pick not working out — praised Neal's bounce-back performance.

"What I liked about it is when his number was called, he was ready," Schoen said in his bye-week news conference. "With a premium pick like that, you always want to bat a thousand, and you know, he's been injured and we're looking forward with him and trying to build off the last game."

It's likely Jones won't get another start after the bye week, and head coach Brian Daboll is on the hot seat along with Schoen, but the rehabilitation of a key 2022 draft pick may offer the Giants something to build on. Then again, it's disappointing that, three years into a rebuild, small victories are all the team has left.