Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has been voted the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week for his performance in the Giants' victory over the New England Patriots.
Hyatt recorded five receptions for a team-leading 109 yards in the win. Both numbers represented season-highs for the rookie receiver as Hyatt had receptions of 22, 29 and 41 yards against the Patriots, the team's three longest plays of the day. He became the first Giants receiver with at least three receptions of 20 or more yards since 2021.
"He's quarterback friendly," quarterback Tommy DeVito said after the win. "I mean anybody that's that fast and can make the plays that he makes is quarterback friendly, so it makes a lot easier to put those balls up for him, but he's just a special individual. Special player, route runner, whatever you want to call it and he's a confident dude. He tells me he's like 'I'm going to go get this ball for you' like if we call this, I'm going to make play. So, it takes a lot off my shoulders."
The rookie third-round pick entered Sunday's game with 221 receiving yards on the season and increased that number by nearly 50 percent. His 330 yards ranks third on the team, while his seven receptions of 20 or more yards trails Darius Slayton by one. Meanwhile, Hyatt's three receptions of 40 or more yards is tied for the fifth-most in the NFL.
"He made plays when they came his way," head coach Brian Daboll said about Hyatt. "It was big for us, you know, he's had a few big ones. I think Tommy's got a lot of trust in him. Those guys are pretty close. So, you know, that first over was a heck of a throw by Tommy, and he did a great job of getting his depth and getting his feet in. They were going to start a go, got a big third down on the shadow crosser. He's making strides."
Hyatt was the third Giant to be nominated for the Rookie of the Week award this season. DeVito won the award last week, while cornerback Deonte Banks was in the running for his performance against the Commanders in Week 7.
The other players nominated for the Week 12 Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week included:
- QB C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
- RB Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
- WR Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens
- WR Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs
- DL Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams
Fans voted for one of six players on NFL.com/rookies, @NFL on Twitter, and on the NFL Mobile app. After the regular season, six players will be nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Years honor. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com/rookies throughout the month of January.
View photos from the Giants' Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots.
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