NY Giants’ Darius Slayton named to PFF’s team of the week after Cowboys game

Darius Slayton named to PFF’s Team of The Week after strong performance in NY Giants’ loss to Dallas Cowboys

NY Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton looked the part of a true No. 1 receiver in Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and his output would have been even more impressive had it not been for a penalty negating a touchdown, and Pro Football Focus took notice.

Slayton was named to PFF’s Team of The Week for Week 5:

Pro Football Focus gives Slayton a 76.7 overall grade through five weeks, and a 75.7 receiving mark.

Sunday was Slayton’s best performance since catching two touchdown passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. Slayton caught eight of 11 targets for 129 yards, while averaging 16.1 yards per reception.

Had it not been for Damion Ratley being called for pass interference on an illegal pick play, Slayton would have added a 31-yard touchdown reception that might have altered the outcome of the 37-34 loss.

One of quarterback Daniel Jones’ favorite targets, Slayton has already caught 23 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns this season, while averaging 15.9 yards per reception.

“We’re both competitors and we both want to win. We’re fighting hard to win,” Slayton said of his connection with Jones on Sunday. “The first thing on the top of your mind is we didn’t get the win, so regardless of how many plays we made, or what we did, it wasn’t enough to win the game. Right now, it’s the overall, forefront thought in my mind, at least.”

Sunday could be another strong performance for Slayton, against the Washington Football Team‘s 16th ranked passing defense. Washington enters Week 6 allowing 226.8 passing yards per game.

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.