The New York Giants defeated the Carolina Panthers 21-19 during the team's second preseason game. With the regular season just weeks away, the Giants provided reasons for optimism.

Rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt showed out, hauling in his first touchdown since being drafted in the third-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But he may not even be the biggest story from the preseason victory.

That would be Giants tight end Darren Waller, who the team acquired early in the offseason in hopes of boosting the pass catching unit. Waller has proven to be a dangerous playmaker, and he flashed that ability on Friday evening.

The athletic tight end grabbed three catches for 30 yards, averaging a first down when the ball was thrown in his way. But it wasn't the box score where he shined; rather, it was simply the way that he showed he can open up the offense.

Waller showed during his breakout with the Raiders that he can stretch the field and provide a vertical threat for an offense. Which is exactly what head coach Brian Daboll and quarterback Daniel Jones have been missing at a consistent rate.

3rd & 7 Darren Waller separating at the stem while the entire O-Line holds up and Daniel Jones delivers the throw pic.twitter.com/Nx0wYjOUrb

— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) August 19, 2023

In Waller, Jones and the Giants now have a weapon that they can go to in key moments in addition to potentially explosive plays. Waller's ability to line up on the outside makes him a mismatch, as he is too quick for linebackers and too big for cornerbacks.

Add in Hyatt and Saquon Barkley, and the Giants have something cooking. Although it's just the preseason, it's easy to see that New York hit a home run with their addition of Darren Waller.

Giants have big reason to be excited for regular season

The New York Giants already have a major reason to be excited for the season thanks to rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.

Featured image via Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports