Giants WR Jalin Hyatt: 'We have a playoff team'

Under Brian Daboll, the New York Giants have transitioned from being a surprise playoff victor to a disappointing bottom-six team within two years. What can be expected in the third year?

Receiver Jalin Hyatt believes Big Blue is on a path back to the postseason.

“New year, new opportunities, new goals,” Hyatt said on Thursday, via Giants Wire. “You know, for me, I always set high expectations. Just looking at our team, looking at what we got, we have a good chance to do whatever we want to do.

My sole aim is a team goal. We are a playoff team, and that is what we aspire to be, and that is our focus. We are determined to get there.

Those outside the locker room aren’t as optimistic. The Giants’ win total projections have hovered around six this offseason. Big Blue was miserable on both sides of the ball last season, with a slight blip of Tommy DeVito mania providing a buffer of levity.

With Daniel Jones returning under center, can the addition of first-round receiver Malik Nabers and a revamped defense — importing Brian Burns and a new coaching staff — immediately turn things back around?

The comment made by Hyatt shouldn’t be shocking. What else is he expected to say? That we are terrible and this year will be pointless? Firstly, no professional football player can afford such a mentality. Football is an intensely physical game where negative attitudes can lead to defeat. Moreover, it is common in this sport, known for its competitive balance, for teams to transition from poor performances to reaching the playoffs.

Some may be surprised if the Giants aim for the postseason, but more unexpected events have occurred in the NFL.