With many of the team’s starters being rested on Sunday, that meant increased playing time for New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay.
Golladay, who signed a $72 million free-agent contract with the Giants in 2021, has largely been a disappointment. His two seasons with the team have been mired by injury and inconsistency, and his role had almost entirely diminished down the stretch this season.
Entering Week 18, Golladay had four receptions for 51 yards and no touchdowns on just 198 snaps. The last time he had reached the end zone came all the way back in 2020 with the Detroit Lions.
But opportunity presented itself against the Philadelphia Eagles and Golladay, finally, made the most of it.
The veteran receiver took 63 offensive snaps (100%) in Week 18 and caught two passes for 30 yards. And one of them was a 25-yard touchdown off the arm of quarterback Davis Webb.
The catch itself was quite impressive and briefly reminded everyone what they thought they were getting when Golladay was initially signed.
KENNY GOLLADAY TD!
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/vB3izCb9oJ
— New York Giants (@Giants) January 9, 2023
“Webb just gave me a shot, and I definitely appreciate it,” Golladay told the New York Post after the game. “A long time coming.”
Golladay knew he’d get at least one chance for a touchdown on Sunday because Webb had promised him that prior to the game.
“I told him, ‘I promise, if it’s one-on-one, you are going to get a shot, and you are going to catch it,'” Webb said. “It was a great opportunity for him and he executed it. We played with only two receivers most of the game and they battled their butts off. I hope they get some Pedialytes on the bus ride home.”
Asked if he’d keep the ball, Golladay laughed and said no. However, it might be delivered to Webb because it was his first career touchdown pass (he had scored a rushing touchdown earlier in the game).
“I was just happy I was able to go out there and make a play. I understand the circumstances, but at the end of the day it’s my job to go out and play,” Golladay said. “It felt good.”
Whether or not his touchdown catch on Sunday earns him an expanded role in the playoffs or not, Golladay insists he’ll be ready.
“I just have to be ready whenever my number is called. We’re a good team. This season has been a roller coaster,” he said, “but you have to stay locked in mentally at all times.”
