Brian Daboll Non-commital Regarding Evan Neal's Return to Starting O-Line

Daboll wouldn't confirm if Evan Neal would be reinserted in the starting lineup once healthy.

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll wasted no time declaring quarterback Daniel Jones the starter entering next year shortly after Jones's season ended due to a torn ACL.

Daboll, however, wouldn't make any such declarations regarding the offensive line, and in particular, the right tackle position, where Evan Neal, listed as Doubtful for this weekend's game at New Orleans, has been trying to work his way back from an ankle injury.

"I’d just say he’s working to get better," Daboll said when asked if Neal would regain his starting job ahead of Tyre Phillips, who has filled in for NEal at right tackle. "We’ll see. Cross that bridge when we get to it."

That's not exactly a ringing endorsement nor a surprising one. Neal, the seventh overall pick in last year's draft, has struggled with his play when on the field. Last season, he allowed 52 quarterback pressures in 534 pass-block snaps, the third most among all tackles. In 309 pass-block snaps this year, he's allowed 30 pressures, tying him for 24th most among tackles, with a 94.4 pass-blocking efficiency rating.

Neal's inability to take the next step in his development has left some wondering if he has a future at guard. However, general manager Joe Schoen and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson have pushed back on that theory, insisting that NEal has what it takes to play tackle in the NFL.

Phillips, whom the Giants had in training camp this summer only to cut when the 53-man rosters were filled out, was brought back from the Eagles practice squad, where he landed after the summer once the injuries to Andrew Thomas and Matt PEart happened.

In 215 pass-blocking snaps, Phillips, who can also play guard, has allowed just 18 pressures for a 95.1 pass-blocking efficiency rating.

"He’s done a nice job," Daboll said of Phillips.

Daboll hasn't necessarily been afraid of sticking with the hot hand when decisions like these must be made. He stuck with Tommy DeVito at quarterback after Tyrod Taylor returned from a rib cage injury, showing a preference for not wanting to upset the chemistry that developed.

For now, he could be leaning to do the same thing on the offensive line, where that chemistry is even more important.

"I’d just say go out there and have a good day today and see where it goes," Daboll said when asked about the benefit of sticking with an offensive line. It has shown improvement as the Giants line has of late. 

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