Darren Waller aims to be a game-changer when the Giants are in dire need of one.
“That’s the perception of me since I arrived here,” Waller expressed to The Post. “Throughout my career, if my team requires a big play, I want to be the one making it. I believe the plays I execute provide a boost of energy and can turn the tide of a game. I want to be in that position to provide that spark for everyone.”
It’s challenging to reconcile how Waller, who was a high-profile trade acquisition in March and was expected to be a central figure in the offense during training camp, has ended up with only 15 receptions for 153 yards in four games, leading the team in both categories.
In an offense that is currently the worst in the league, averaging just 11.5 points and a mere 158 passing yards per game, and with star player Saquon Barkley sidelined due to injury, Waller received just one target in the first 54 minutes of the recent 24-3 loss to the Seahawks.
After the game, Waller openly expressed his frustration, stating that he couldn’t instruct others on how to do their jobs and admitting that his lack of targets was a bitter pill to swallow.
Head coach Brian Daboll explained that Waller’s absence from the passing game was due to a shift towards blocking, prompted by tight end Daniel Bellinger’s first-quarter knee injury.
Waller commented on this, saying, “Being a good teammate means sometimes doing things you may not prefer. While I enjoy running routes, there are situations where I need to contribute in other ways for the team’s benefit. This applies to everyone in football.”
It seemed like Waller might score his first touchdown as a Giant when he broke open on a corner route in the end zone.
However, Daniel Jones hesitated, and there was a legitimate preseason concern that he might force the ball too much to Waller. Instead, he threw an interception underneath, which was returned for a touchdown.
“I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed; I’d say that’s just how football goes sometimes,” Waller remarked. “There have been seasons where I’ve had 1,100 yards, but there were three or four games where I didn’t get as many touches, or I wasn’t involved in playmaking as much.
“These are things you have to accept and understand that nobody is conspiring against me, and nobody is intentionally trying to keep me from being involved.”
Mike Kafka, the offensive coordinator, didn’t provide any clear reasons for Waller not being a more significant part of the offense. He simply mentioned that “each week is different” and included Waller, who has the biggest contract among offensive playmakers, with the rest of the team.
Waller plans to maintain his active role, much like he did in Week 2 when the Giants’ offense showed promise, even explosiveness, during their comeback against the Cardinals.
He stated, “The coaches are always open to our input and what we observe during the game. I’ll keep suggesting ideas and sharing what I see on the field because they have their own concerns to address.”