The New York Giants wrapped up their regular season on Sunday with a 22-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Giants rested the majority of their starters in the regular season finale, having already clinched a playoff berth. In the dying embers of the game against Philadelphia, an unlikely receiver made a big-time play.
Kenny Golladay has been phased out of the lineup this season despite being one of the team’s highest-paid players. He got a chance to prove why he should be playing in Week 18 and made the most of it. After hauling in an incredible circus-grab touchdown reception, Kenny Golladay could be in line for increased playing time in the postseason.
Should Kenny Golladay get playing time in the postseason?
In the 2020 offseason, the New York Giants signed Kenny Golladay to a mega deal. Golladay inked a four-year, $72 million contract with Big Blue. The team hoped that KennyG could step in and be the team’s number-one receiver for years to come. The Giants have been left with nothing but disappointment thus far, however, as Kenny has totaled just 602 yards on 43 receptions in two seasons.
This season, the Giants completely phased Golladay out of the lineup. After failing to make an impact in the first several weeks of the season, Golladay was sent to the bench in favor of the newly-signed red zone threat Isaiah Hodgins. Golladay finished the 2022 regular season with just six receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown
Two of his six receptions, 30 yards, and the lone touchdown came in Week 18. Golladay made a ridiculous touchdown grab against the Eagles that briefly reminded fans why the team signed him in the first place. His impressive showing in the season finale has fans wondering if Golladay could see some playing time in the postseason. Brian Daboll said, “we’ll see.”
We’ll see. We’ll see. Go out there. Kenny’s worked hard since he’s been here. Those three guys have done a good job for us. Again, every week’s a different plan, the way we want to do things. I think everything’s on the table.
Brian Daboll when asked if Kenny Golladay could get more playing time in the playoffs, via Giants.com
The Giants will play their first postseason game in six years on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Minnesota to face off against the three-seed Vikings. Minnesota has a poor pass defense, ranking 31st in the NFL, allowing 265.6 passing yards per game. New York has an opportunity to air the ball out this weekend as they search for their first playoff win since Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.
It seems unlikely Kenny Golladay will make much of an impact, given his lack of playing time throughout the regular season. However, Golladay’s performance in Week 18 reminded everyone of what he is capable of under the right circumstances. If the opportunity arises, the New York Giants could give Kenny Golladay a chance to make a play in the postseason.