Preseason Showdown Between Giants and Bills: Key Points to Keep an Eye On
In the opening act of the New York Giants' preseason, rookies Abdul Carter and Evan Neal have caught the eye of coaches, teammates, and analysts alike.
Abdul Carter, the 2025 first-round draft pick from Penn State, is poised to make a significant impact as a dynamic outside linebacker/edge rusher for the Giants' defense. In his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills, Carter demonstrated his quickness, bend, and aggressive pass-rushing moves, consistently applying pressure and getting into the backfield[1].
Carter's promise has not gone unnoticed. Shane Bowen, the defensive coordinator, has expressed his intention to prioritize Carter's development, focusing on improving his techniques and fundamentals while ensuring he isn't overloaded as a rookie[2]. Carter's natural ability to dip, lean, and bend is evident on the practice field, earning comparisons to top NFL edge rushers like Micah Parsons[5].
Meanwhile, Evan Neal, currently listed as Greg Van Roten's backup on the team's unofficial depth chart, has been shifted from guard to tackle during training camp. Neal's performance has been met with praise from Mike Kafka, the offensive coordinator, and he has drawn rave reviews during training camp[3]. A strong preseason showing by Neal could potentially change his position on the depth chart.
The Giants' offense, which struggled last season, is expected to receive a boost after an overhaul of its quarterback room. Russell Wilson, the current starter, has been praised by Malik Nabers for his ability to deliver accurate passes in various ways[4]. Jameis Winston serves as the backup, while Jaxson Dart occupies the third-string position.
The connection between quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (Nabers in the context) will be worth watching, as their partnership could play a crucial role in the Giants' offensive success this season.
As the preseason progresses, the spotlight will continue to shine on these promising rookies, Abdul Carter and Evan Neal, as they strive to make their mark in the NFL.
[1] New York Giants' Abdul Carter shows promise in preseason debut [2] Shane Bowen prioritizes Abdul Carter's development [3] Evan Neal impresses during training camp [4] Russell Wilson's accuracy impresses Malik Nabers [5] Carter's potential impact compared to Micah Parsons
America's National Football League (NFL) anticipates the rising talents of Abdul Carter and Evan Neal, with Carter set to shake up the defensive line of the New York Giants, reminiscent of edge rushers like Micah Parsons. Evan Neal, on the other hand, has transitioned from guard to tackle and has already caught the eye of coaches, potentially shaking up the team's depth chart.