New York Giants interim offensive coordinator Tim Kelly didn’t hold back when describing wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins’ whirlwind week leading into last Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
Signed off the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad on Thursday, Hodgins was thrust into a key Week 11 role and responded with a team-leading five receptions for 57 yards on six targets.
“Yeah, crazy week for him,” Kelly told reporters on Thursday. “He did a great job coming in. I don’t think he got here until Thursday. Coming in, learning the game plan. I know there was some comfort level with his previous experience here, but I would say it’s changed a little bit since he’s been here. And Coach (Mike) Groh, Troy (Brown), they did a great job. And Isaiah obviously put in all the work to make sure that he was able to go out there and not only know what to do but do it at a high level and make some plays for us.
“That was one of the cooler things I’ve seen in my experience in the NFL, just someone showing up on a Thursday and then having a major role in the game and playing well, and he did a great job.”
Kelly also used the platform to emphatically endorse Wan’Dale Robinson’s evolution into a true every-down receiver, dispelling any lingering notion that the third-year pro is merely a slot specialist.
“Receivers come in all shapes and sizes,” Kelly said when asked if Robinson has outgrown being pigeonholed because of his 5-foot-8 frame. “I think last week he played every snap. It goes to his toughness, his versatility, his ability to not only run but win on a wide variety of routes. And he’s a guy that constantly shows up for us when we need him. So, to answer your question, yes.”
Robinson’s 100-percent snap share and Hodgins’ instant impact highlight two receivers stepping up at a critical juncture for a Giants offense searching for consistency.
