The performance of the Giants’ offensive line has generated plenty of critics early into the ‘23 season, as the unit has ultimately failed to provide adequate protection for quarterback Daniel Jones.
Following another brutal showing on Monday night against the Seahawks, during which fans booed the team at halftime, second-year tackle Evan Neal sounded off on the “fair-weather” fans.
“Why would a lion concern himself with the opinion of a sheep?” asked Neal, via Darryl Slater of NJ.com. “The person that’s commenting on my performance, what does he do? Flip hot dogs and hamburgers somewhere?”
As fans booed the Giants at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Neal appeared to be encouraging them to boo, making gestures toward the crowd.
“Because that just further shows that people are fair-weather,” said Neal when asked about the incident. “A lot of fans are bandwagoners. I mean, I get it: They want to see us perform well. And I respect all of that. But no one wants us to perform well more than we do.”
New York surrendered 11 sacks against Seattle on Monday night. While those in attendance at the stadium voiced their displeasure, fans on social media were also critical of Neal’s performance. He admitted that he sees their comments, but maintained that he doesn’t care about what they have to say.
“People tag me on stuff all the time,” said Neal. “So it’s like, yeah, I see it. But I genuinely don’t care. Why should I? I’m in the National Football League. The person that’s commenting on my performance, what does he do? Flip hot dogs and hamburgers somewhere?”
Neal was the No. 7 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He’s started each of the first four games this season, featuring on 99% of the team’s offensive snaps.
