Daniel Jones and New York Giants Face Uphill Battle with Offensive Line Changes

The New York Giants are preparing for a crucial game against the Carolina Panthers in Munich, Germany, but their challenges have intensified with last-minute changes to the offensive line. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who has been under scrutiny for his performance, will have to adapt to a new lineup that could impact his ability to operate effectively.

According to USA Today‘s Art Stapleton, the Giants are considering starting Evan Neal at right tackle and moving Jermaine Eluemunor to left tackle. This decision is significant as Evan Neal has not seen gameday action since suffering an ankle injury in 2023 that required surgery. Neal did participate in some preseason snaps against the Jets this season, but his return to the starting lineup raises concerns about his readiness and impact on the team’s performance.

Neal, who was selected seventh overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been a disappointment due to his footwork issues in pass protection. In his rookie year, he allowed seven sacks and was penalized seven times in 738 snaps played, according to Pro Football Focus. This liability could exacerbate the challenges for Daniel Jones, who is already under pressure to deliver a win.

The stakes are high for the Giants, as a loss to the Panthers could further jeopardize head coach Brian Daboll‘s job. Despite showing some improvement in the recent 27-22 loss to the Washington Commanders, where Jones threw two touchdowns, the team’s offensive line changes add an element of uncertainty to their upcoming game. The Panthers, who recently upset the New Orleans Saints and contributed to the firing of their head coach, pose a more formidable challenge than anticipated[3]).