Media praises Isaiah Hodgins as Giants' unsung hero
The Giants received strong performances from some unlikely sources throughout the 2022 campaign, but perhaps none more so than Isaiah Hodgins.
After being awarded to the Giants on waivers on November 2, just one day after being released by the Buffalo Bills, Hodgins arrived in East Rutherford with just 20 offensive snaps and four receptions under his belt across two games.
Despite playing just eight regular-season games for the Giants, the second-year receiver finished the season tied for the most receiving touchdowns on the team with four to go with his 33 receptions for 351 yards. Hodgins is now being recognized by the media for his impressive play.
NFL.com's Nick Shook recently chose an unsung hero from each team, where Hodgins was awarded the honor for the Giants.
"The Giants' stunning turnaround spawned from a number of key developments on offense, including the resurgence of Saquon Barkley, a breakout year from Daniel Jones, and a sneaky-good rookie campaign from tight end Daniel Bellinger. Hodgins is my pick here, though, because of how he capitalized on his opportunities," Shook wrote. "An in-season addition, Hodgins hit the ground running in New York, catching 33 of his 42 targets for 351 yards and four touchdowns in eight regular-season games (five starts). His showing on Super Wild Card Weekend -- eight catches for 105 yards and one touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings-- only added to his growing legend with the Giants, a team that desperately needed unlikely contributors to step up in the passing game. Hodgins certainly answered the call."
On a similar note, Pro Football Focus' Marcus Mosher selected Hodgins as the Giants' "secret superstar" for the 2022 season.
"In the final five games of the regular season, Hodgins totaled 250 yards and four touchdowns," said Mosher. "He also had a monster game against the Vikings in the wild-card round, catching eight passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. Hodgins doesn't completely solve their WR need, but he is a nice piece to have moving forward."
Mosher described Hodgins as a "diamond in the rough" find by general manager Joe Schoen.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound receiver finished the regular season on a high note, catching a touchdown pass in four of his last five games. He then erupted for eight receptions, 105 yards and another touchdown in Super Wild Card Weekend win over the Vikings.
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