Ever since the New York Giants drafted Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt in the third round of this year’s NFL draft, fans have been waiting for that ‘ah-ha’ moment from him.
It finally came on Sunday as the Giants overcame a 21-point deficit to defeat the Arizona Cardinals, 31-28, in one of the most thrilling comebacks in franchise history.
Buy Giants TicketsHyatt opened up the second-half comeback with a 58-yard reception that began the ball rolling for Big Blue.
“It was a huge spark at that point in the game,” said tight end Darren Waller. “Playing in the National Football League, you don’t know when that spark may come. Of course, you want it to be earlier, but that was the opportunity for us in this game and we took advantage of it.
“That allowed us to build some momentum and sustain some drives because we were like, ‘Okay this is what we are used to, this is what we’ve been doing since April throughout this whole process.’ We know what we can do as an offense and it definitely gets you going.”
Hyatt had another reception in the game for 31 yards, displaying his deep-threat ability utilizing his world-class speed. The 58-yarder was the longest reception by a Giants rookie wideout since Odell Beckham Jr. had a 63-yarder against Philadelphia on December 28, 2014.
Hyatt was a non-factor in the Giants’ deflating 40-0 debacle in the opener against Dallas in Week 1. He was targeted just once and failed to reel it in.
“Definitely, last week I didn’t do what I wanted to do personally,” Hyatt said after the game. “I had a drop. Just the effort and everything I did in that game just wasn’t there. With a new week, when I came into this game I knew I had to change everything. My whole week of preparation was different.
“I actually was watching film 24/7 — seeing who we’re playing. Not only that, DJ always standing in my corner saying, ‘We’re going to get the ball to you, we’re going to get the ball to you.’ That’s what he did and I think that just goes back to our leadership.”
Hyatt’s 58-yarder got the Giants started but his 31-yarder on the game-tying drive had just as much impact.
“A lot of people came up to me hitting my head — which I don’t like — but, I love these guys,” he said. “I love the leaders in the room. I’m best friends with all of them and it just shows how much trust they have in me. For me to go out there and make those plays, that’s just what I want to do for this team.”
Hopefully, it will be a weekly thing for Hyatt.
