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Transcript: Right Tackle Evan Neal

Eric from BBI : Admin : 5/31/2023 3:33 pm
OT Evan Neal

Q. How has your offseason been and reflecting on your rookie season?

EVAN NEAL: Offseason was good. I got some time to rest. Spent some time with family. Did a little traveling. My rookie year, I learned a lot. Gained a lot of experience. Proud of the way I performed.

Q. You worked this offseason with (former offensive tackle) Willie Anderson. Can you talk about the work he's done with you, what he's taught you? Have you found a stance you are more comfortable with?

EVAN NEAL: Working with Willie was cool. Just gaining a lot of his knowledge, him being a Pro Bowl player, we were playing around with my stance, seeing what's comfortable, seeing what's not comfortable. The stance that I can be functional out of and explode out of and stuff like that.

Q. How much do you think you -- I know you're not going to make excuses -- but your knee injury probably limited you last year. How much was that a factor?

EVAN NEAL: It wasn't a factor. A lot of guys get dinged up, banged up. I wasn't the only one out there dealing with stuff.

Q. How did you get hooked up with Willie Anderson?

EVAN NEAL: It was on Instagram, through Instagram and stuff like that. We've been connected. We knew of each other prior to us working and stuff, but really from social media.

Q. Getting comfortable, how did you work on your stance? How did it change a little bit?

EVAN NEAL: Like I said, just seeing, whether I'm widening out my base or narrowing it or just seeing what's comfortable. You've got to be able to be functional in your stance and be able to move efficiently out of your stance. That's what we were trying to find, find a place that I'm quick out of, that's comfortable for me, a stance that I can get in and repeat rep after rep after rep.

Q. Is that something you're trying out or something that you are now doing?

EVAN NEAL: It's something that it's a continuation. Just going to continue to get work, to continue to work and get better. In every facet of the game, regardless of whether it's my stance or my hands or pad level or whatever.

Q. Is that something you were eager to do? Or when you had success doing stuff technically one way some guys might be resistant, I guess, to make any changes.

EVAN NEAL: I'm open to change. In this league, you've got to be able to adapt. I've done a lot of things that work for me in the past. I've done things that haven't worked so well. This is just another one of those things, me trying something new, just seeing how I can get better.

Q. What about the speed of the game? That's usually a big challenge for a young guy when they get to the NFL. How did that slow down for you? What did you do to help slow that down?

EVAN NEAL: When it comes to that, it's just really reps. It all boils down to reps. The more I went out and played, the more and more comfortable and confident that I got.

Q. (Linebacker) Kayvon (Thibodeaux) was out here before, he said this year versus last year, this year you actually know and feel what it's like to play in the NFL -- how strong guys are, how fast they are. Did you pick up the same thing once the season ended and come out here knowing now that I felt it, I can come out here and tinker with what I've got?

EVAN NEAL: Nothing is a surprise now. I know what to expect. I know what an NFL-level game is. Just doing what I can to go out there and perform and play well. So, it's definitely good that I got the experience that I did last year, carrying it over into this season.

Q. Did you not feel comfortable in the stance last year? It seems like a big thing to adjust. How did you come about doing that?

EVAN NEAL: I feel comfortable but with anything you want to refine it to the point where you get better results out of it. It wasn't the fact that I was uncomfortable. I was analyzing my game and I was like, okay, maybe if I tweak this part of my stance maybe I'll be able to get to my pass set quicker or maybe I'll be more balanced whenever I take my pass sets. Really, it's just a refining type of thing.

Q. You were also making the transition from the left side. You played the left side the final year of college and switched to the right side. There had to be an adjustment there, no?

EVAN NEAL: Going from a left-handed stance to a right-handed stance, thankfully I'd done it before. I played three different positions at Alabama. It wasn't that big of a deal. The main thing is I feel like it's your hip alignments, stuff like that, just making sure that my hips get back adjusted to the right side. That's the biggest thing.

Q. Forgive me, how much were you working with Willie Anderson? Was it a week-long thing? Was it like months, all offseason? How much time did you spend together?

EVAN NEAL: He came up here, we worked for a few days, watched film, got on the field, worked some different technique things. We have dialogue, we keep in contact, we keep in touch with each other, talk ball. Not everything has to be physical.

Q. So it was up here?

EVAN NEAL: Yes.

Q. Did you stay up here? Have family, where did you train?

EVAN NEAL: I was here. I was there, spending time with my family. Having a little bit of fun. And I was working.

Q. I know the contact has been limited, but what's it been like testing out stuff against guys like Kayvon, who came in last year. How is the iron-sharpening-iron process going?

EVAN NEAL: It's always fun when you go up against another body. It's easy for me to go out and take pass sets against air, but even those walk-through speeds, you get to go through the feel of how you are feeling, just my balance, my base, my hands and my feet, how everything is matching stuff like that. So, it was cool. Even though it's a walkthrough pace at this point, really iron sharpening too much when you walk it through. But it's still good to go through the motion. Get the muscle memory and the reps.

Q. You said you were proud of your rookie season, but there was still some adversity. What are you proud of? The way that you handled it or --

EVAN NEAL: Yeah, I'm sure – adversity is a part of everything. Just battled with some things, whether it be injuries, having to miss time, stuff like that. Playing through bad games and things like that. I just like the way that I was able to be resilient through it all, finish the year strong, didn't complain or anything. Went out there every Sunday and gave it everything that I had. I was really proud of that.
His progression is on of the most important things this year  
DaddyM89 : 5/31/2023 3:58 pm : link
for this team to take the next step. Seems to have the right attitude so fingers crossed.
High hopes for this guy this year  
Heisenberg : 5/31/2023 4:06 pm : link
Really hoping he gets on track and is no longer a serious weak point in pass protection.
“Proud of last year….”  
5BowlsSoon : 5/31/2023 4:24 pm : link
Wow, I don’t think I could have said those words if I were in his shoes….
I'm not optimistic or pessimistic regarding Neal - just wait and see  
Ira : 5/31/2023 4:26 pm : link
.
I've got a feeling Evan was thinking too much  
KeoweeFan : 5/31/2023 4:30 pm : link
last year; only natural for a rookie on the OL.

A symptom might be not being "comfortable" with his stance (which must have been "comfortable" for him at the college level.)
Who ever asked the last question is an ass  
The_Boss : 5/31/2023 5:00 pm : link
-
RE: “Proud of last year….”  
Chris684 : 5/31/2023 5:43 pm : link
In comment 16125892 5BowlsSoon said:
Quote:
Wow, I don’t think I could have said those words if I were in his shoes….


Yea but then again you are just another schmuck on a message board so what do you actually know?

The guy could have easily used a pretty bad injury to his knee as an excuse as to maybe why his play wasn’t where he wanted it to be. Then again, he plays a position that is one of the toughest to adjust to at the next level, especially given the lack of practice reps in light of “player safety”. His play last year wasn’t really all that bad or surprising last year for anyone who knows what they’re watching.
Yes, sir, that's the ticket!  
ColHowPepper : 5/31/2023 6:34 pm : link
Quote:
It wasn't the fact that I was uncomfortable. I was analyzing my game and I was like, okay, maybe if I tweak this part of my stance maybe I'll be able to get to my pass set quicker or maybe I'll be more balanced whenever I take my pass sets.
RE: I've got a feeling Evan was thinking too much  
Brown_Hornet : 5/31/2023 6:55 pm : link
In comment 16125895 KeoweeFan said:
Quote:
last year; only natural for a rookie on the OL.

A symptom might be not being "comfortable" with his stance (which must have been "comfortable" for him at the college level.)
When a player has the physical tools and has shown the ability, albeit at a lower level, this is usually the issue.

I have high hopes.
Very thoughtful and considered answers  
D HOS : 5/31/2023 7:28 pm : link
Really good information and insight. Honestly, that sounds like things Andrew Thomas could have said too and in the way he might say them. I think we have a pair of really good players and even better men as our tackles. Think long term - this will turn out really well.
...  
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 5/31/2023 7:29 pm : link
Looking forward to Neal hopefully shutting up a lot of BBIers this fall. If the dude fails-which I doubt-it won't be due to a lack of effort.
This is the 2nd time....I heard how Evan's improved by end of season  
George from PA : 5/31/2023 9:14 pm : link
Is that true?

Did Evans game get better as season progress? I didn't notice.....but not noticing might be a sign in it's own right.
RE: This is the 2nd time....I heard how Evan's improved by end of season  
ColHowPepper : 5/31/2023 9:31 pm : link
In comment 16125974 George from PA said:
Quote:
Is that true?

Did Evans game get better as season progress? I didn't notice.....but not noticing might be a sign in it's own right.
George, I'd tend to agree; it's also true that Kafka and BD were trying to get the ball out quickly the last several games, James and Hodgins a big part of that... and then there was Philly. His play will be a huge influence as to whether the O can take off.
The day anyone in the NFL admits to being surprised -- about ANYTHING  
David B. : 5/31/2023 10:20 pm : link
is the day the world will end.

Yeah, those monkeys came flying out of my butt. Was I surprised? No. (In fact, HELL NO!) But you know, when you eat animal crackers, those kind of things -- the monkey things -- they can happen. The coaches are always preparing us for stuff like that. You can't make excuses for it. You just have to do your monkey-butt reps the best you can to be prepared, so when it happens, you're ready for it.

With a camera.

So the grandchildren will believe you later.

That monkeys flew outchyur butt.
RE: This is the 2nd time....I heard how Evan's improved by end of season  
ElitoCanton : 5/31/2023 10:21 pm : link
In comment 16125974 George from PA said:
Quote:
Is that true?

Did Evans game get better as season progress? I didn't notice.....but not noticing might be a sign in it's own right.


He was getting better until he got hurt. And then he came back and got hurt again. Injuries were a major factor.
the ba!! coming out quickly...  
Brown_Hornet : 5/31/2023 10:30 pm : link
...early was clearly by design. Likely Neal was a big part of the reason.
That said, that was that gameplan most of the season.
Less effective vs better defenses, for sure. But a huge leap in efficiency vs 20-21.
There was a lot to like late in the season, IMO, Neal grew with the team.
ball...  
Brown_Hornet : 5/31/2023 10:30 pm : link
...!!
RE: RE: “Proud of last year….”  
Klaatu : 6/1/2023 7:16 am : link
In comment 16125922 Chris684 said:
Quote:
In comment 16125892 5BowlsSoon said:


Quote:


Wow, I don’t think I could have said those words if I were in his shoes….



Yea but then again you are just another schmuck on a message board so what do you actually know?

The guy could have easily used a pretty bad injury to his knee as an excuse as to maybe why his play wasn’t where he wanted it to be. Then again, he plays a position that is one of the toughest to adjust to at the next level, especially given the lack of practice reps in light of “player safety”. His play last year wasn’t really all that bad or surprising last year for anyone who knows what they’re watching.


Sy'56 knows what he's watching and he was killing Neal for most of the year. If you don't believe me, go check out his game reviews, where you'll find lines like this:

Quote:
Evan Neal got the start at right tackle and played about half the snaps before Matt Peart relieved him. It was an ugly game for the rookie, who has piled up those performances this season. He allowed three pressures and was flagged for two false starts.


I like Neal. I'm glad the Giants drafted him, but let's not sugarcoat his rookie season. He struggled...mightily. Was he hurt? Yeah, but he looks to be healthy now. I still have high hopes for him. Seems like he's doing everything possible to improve his game, and I was encouraged by what Bobby Johnson said about him. I'm just tired of people making excuses for players that have underperformed.
Watching film  
Lines of Scrimmage : 6/1/2023 7:31 am : link
is quite different than experiencing it live the first time. Really good fronts in the NFCE and this season we play a bunch of other teams with very good D's.

Hoping he is at least a consistent outstanding run blocker and improves over time his pass sets.

If the interior is better in pass sets and Neal does get beat at times Jones can have a path in the pocket to get out or step up and deliver the ball. Too many times pressure came both inside and outside.


RE: Glad you mentioned that about Sy’s reviews  
5BowlsSoon : 6/1/2023 12:36 pm : link
In comment 16126041 Klaatu said:
Quote:
In comment 16125922 Chris684 said:


Quote:


In comment 16125892 5BowlsSoon said:


Quote:


Wow, I don’t think I could have said those words if I were in his shoes….



Yea but then again you are just another schmuck on a message board so what do you actually know?

The guy could have easily used a pretty bad injury to his knee as an excuse as to maybe why his play wasn’t where he wanted it to be. Then again, he plays a position that is one of the toughest to adjust to at the next level, especially given the lack of practice reps in light of “player safety”. His play last year wasn’t really all that bad or surprising last year for anyone who knows what they’re watching.



Sy'56 knows what he's watching and he was killing Neal for most of the year. If you don't believe me, go check out his game reviews, where you'll find lines like this:



Quote:


Evan Neal got the start at right tackle and played about half the snaps before Matt Peart relieved him. It was an ugly game for the rookie, who has piled up those performances this season. He allowed three pressures and was flagged for two false starts.



I like Neal. I'm glad the Giants drafted him, but let's not sugarcoat his rookie season. He struggled...mightily. Was he hurt? Yeah, but he looks to be healthy now. I still have high hopes for him. Seems like he's doing everything possible to improve his game, and I was encouraged by what Bobby Johnson said about him. I'm just tired of people making excuses for players that have underperformed.


I know Chris won’t have a rebuttal to Sy’s expertise or say anything derogatory about Sy….so I guess he will go away from this topic like a good little puppy dog. I’m sure he felt like a big smart man flinging such derogatory words at me., but I didn’t feel the need to respond to them….I assume he needs to put people down to feel better about himself so I was willing to let him have the last say.
RE: RE: RE: “Proud of last year….”  
Jim in Tampa : 6/1/2023 4:41 pm : link
In comment 16126041 Klaatu said:
Quote:
I like Neal. I'm glad the Giants drafted him, but let's not sugarcoat his rookie season. He struggled...mightily. Was he hurt? Yeah, but he looks to be healthy now. I still have high hopes for him. Seems like he's doing everything possible to improve his game, and I was encouraged by what Bobby Johnson said about him. I'm just tired of people making excuses for players that have underperformed.

This is BBI in a nutshell.

Too many posters looking through rose-colored glasses instead of being honest with themselves and others, about what they actually see on the field.
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