This Giants playmaker has been a ghost this season and no one saw it coming
By George Baker
The 2022 NY Giants had their share of surprises and breakout players, but none had a more significant impact than wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins. Coming over from the Buffalo Bills and being familiar with both Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen, Hodgins had a breakout season in his first year with the G-Men.
However, as we entered 2023 with high hopes, Hodgins has yet to meet the preseason expectations. Desperate for help in the wide receivers room, the Giants claimed Hodgins off waivers just before their Week 10 matchup last season against the Houston Texans. The Giants had to quickly count on Hodgins to provide Daniel Jones with an extra weapon, and he delivered far more than expected.
In his eight regular season games with NY, Hodgins impressed with 33 catches for 351 yards and four touchdowns. A closer look reveals that Hodgins hit his stride at just the right time. His true breakout game came in the Wild Card Round win against the Minnesota Vikings, where he posted 105 yards on eight catches and a score. So, where in the heck has he been this fall for Coach Dabes?
Isaiah Hodgins in two matchups with the Vikings (often while covered by Patrick Peterson): 16 catches, 194 yards, 2 TDs.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) January 16, 2023
Hodgins has 5 TDs in his last 6 games. He's no longer just a nice story. He looks like a real piece of the puzzle going forward.
NY Giants WR Isaiah Hodgins has been a ghost for the offense in 2023
Just like so many other players for New York this season, Hodgins has gone missing in action - his play through nine games has been a total disappointment and surprise. Thus far in 2023, the 6-3, 200-pounder has posted only 12 receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown. He was held without a catch in the 30-6 loss to Las Vegas last Sunday.
While Hodgins hasn’t had the advantage of a fully healthy Jones throughout the season, his underwhelming performance has surprised everyone after his successful 2022 campaign. Although NFL teams may have found ways to contain Hodgins, he must regain his form and return to his previous level of play to help keep the Giants competitive for the rest of the 2023 season.
With Tommy DeVito now taking the reins at QB, only time will tell if Hodgins can get back on track and turn around a season full of disappointments, starting this week on the road against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys.
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