You can't pinpoint one positive thing about Sunday's 28-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings for the NY Giants. While the Giants' defense allowed 28 points to Minnesota, the team's struggles go back to their offense led by quarterback Daniel Jones, who did not look good at all.
Jones threw for 186 yards, two interceptions, including a pick-six to linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, and no touchdowns, which resulted in a 44.3 quarterback rating. The veteran signal-caller was also sacked five times and couldn't generate anything on offense for Big Blue.
The Giants failed to get in the end zone on Sunday, and Jones favored the same three receivers; however, if it wasn't working for the offense, the team should've spread the ball more. Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Darius Slayton were the only three wide receivers to record a reception.
Many forget about second-year wideout Jalin Hyatt, who is in line for a breakout campaign. The Giants drafted the Tennessee product in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hyatt showed much promise out of training camp last year and was viewed as a deep threat for the Giants. Last season, he totaled 557 snaps, which ranked third on the team behind Slayton and Robinson, but he was not a starter.
Another interesting playtime decision by the Giants:
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) September 8, 2024
Jalin Hyatt was on the field for just four plays through the first three quarters. Logged 15 total snaps in the contest.
Hyatt left the locker room rather quickly with his eye black still on. https://t.co/mrYBdeZhaF
Speedy WR Jalin Hyatt was barely used in Week 1 for the NY Giants
With head coach Brian Daboll now calling the plays on offense, many believed Hyatt would be more involved in this year's passing game, even with the addition of Nabers. However, that was not the case in Week 1, as the second-year wideout was on the field for just four plays through the first three quarters. Hyatt finished the game with 15 total snaps, meaning the Giants mainly used him in the fourth quarter in garbage time when the game was already decided. He finished the afternoon with zero receptions and one target.
After the game, Hyatt seemed frustrated, as he quickly left the locker room with his eye black still on and he didn't speak to the media, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Can you blame him for being a bit ticked off for his lack of usage? Not at all.
Hyatt is among the many unanswered questions that Daboll and the Giants' coaching staff must address before next week's matchup with the Washington Commanders. Giants fans would like to remain hopeful as the team looks to get themselves in the win column for the first time this season, but it will take significant improvements all around.