Giants WR Jalin Hyatt explains what went wrong on the play he’s facing heavy criticism for in loss to the Packers
New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt faced criticism for his massive mistake against the Green Bay Packers
The New York Giants narrowly lost to the Green Bay Packers 27-20 after nearly completing a game-tying drive with under two minutes to go. As the Giants surged into the red zone, it appeared that the team had the momentum necessary to punch it in and tie the game.
However, an interception thrown by Jameis Winston to Evan Williams sealed the game, and it couldn’t have been more obvious why the interception occurred. Upon rewatching the play, it’s clear that Jalin Hyatt inexplicably stopped his route, even though he was likely in position to make a play on the ball had he kept running.
After the game, Hyatt was asked what went wrong, and he gave a short answer.
“Just got to make a play, simple as that,” Hyatt told reporters.
Jalin Hyatt catches heat for another critical error
Hyatt’s career with the Giants has been underwhelming, despite being drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The former Biletnikoff Award winner out of Tennessee appeared to have the potential to be a dominant deep threat in New York. Instead, he’s struggled to produce and has generated numerous lowlights like today.
Former Giants legend and WFAN host Tiki Barber justifiably criticized Hyatt for his mistake in his post-game reaction and explained why it was clearly his fault for the turnover.
“Jalin Hyatt doesn’t play football like a wide receiver that wants to get the football,” Barber stated. “You can’t not run that route. The reason that looked so bad is because Jalin Hyatt wasn’t where he was supposed to be. Jameis Winston thought he would be there. If it’s defended, it’s defended. But you can’t quit on a play.”
I implore you to listen to the whole clip, because Barber does a tremendous job of contextualizing how frustrating Hyatt’s lack of effort is on that play.
After the loss, Winston was asked what went wrong on the play. He didn’t assign blame to Hyatt but pointed out that the lack of reps with Hyatt at practice may have contributed to it.
“Timing and execution is so important in this game,” Winston told the media. “When you don’t have the reps with some of your teammates, you’ve got to capitalize on those moments and continue to work even harder and find solutions.”
Winston also emphasized the importance of execution in crucial moments. While Winston doesn’t call out Hyatt, he’s highlighting the fact that Hyatt didn’t execute effectively when he needed to most.
“I believe timing and execution is so important when you’re in crucial moments. When defenses see routes, you and a receiver have to be elite in timing and execution. And I believe Jalin and I, our timing and execution could have been a lot better.”
Hyatt finished the game with two catches for 18 yards. His poor play adds additional evidence for the Giants to move on from him in the near future. Isaiah Hodgins’s immediate 57-yard contribution led the team, proving that Hyatt will never have much of an impact. It also calls into question why someone like Gunner Olszewski doesn’t get more targets.
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