Saquon Barkley and the New York Giants started the 2022 regular season with a big win against the Tennessee Titans. After being down 13-0 heading into halftime, the Giants turned it around in the second half, winning 21-20.
With this win, the Giants have a winning record for the first time since the 2016 season. In the Giants’ win, several players put on strong performances. Barkley headlined the unit, recording 194 yards from scrimmage, one touchdown, and the game-winning two-point conversion. Wide receiver Richie James looked to be a reliable option for Daniel Jones, and Sterling Shepard looked to be back and ready to make an impact.
But some players left something to be desired on the field. Even with the win, the Giants still came just a play away from losing. But, with a better game in Week 2 from several players, this unit could be in a much better position.
Here are four Giants who must play better in Week 2:
4. WR Kenny Golladay
The Giants’ wide receiver room looked troubling at times during the game. In the end, the No. 1 pass catcher from the unit was James with his five receptions. Shepard, who had one of the biggest plays of the day, finished with two receptions for 71 yards.
To the shock of many, Kadarius Toney barely saw the field. Whether it be due to injury or an undisclosed issue, the second-year pass-catcher was kept primarily on the sidelines. But he was highly effective when the ball was in his hands, recording 23 rushing yards on just two carries.
And then there was Kenny Golladay. The Giants veteran receiver played the entire game, but was barely utilized. Golladay finished the day with two receptions for 22 receiving yards. This is not the performance that the Giants are looking for from their WR1. When the game was on the line, Golladay wasn’t the player that the Giants looked for to make the big play. It seemed that Jones had more of a connection with James than with Golladay.
When the Giants brought in Golladay, they anticipated that he would be the same player that he was with the Detroit Lions: a reliable deep-field threat who can consistently make big plays.
While he is yet to do that with the Giants, a strong outing in Week 2 could be a sign of what is to come. When the offense was firing on all cylinders, it looked full of potential. There is a clear place for Golladay within the unit. It just needs to be found.