The Giants got a glimpse into their future at wide receiver Sunday afternoon, and Big Blue must have liked what they saw.
While free agent-to-be Hakeem Nicks (the almost certain past) was wrapping up a dismal season in which he failed to find the end zone, suffering a sprained ankle in the second quarter, Jerrel Jernigan (the likely future No. 3 receiver behind Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle) was enjoying his finest moments as a pro.
Afterward, Jernigan couldn’t help himself.
The Giants wide receiver was thrilled, and while he attempted to withhold a smile as he answered questions following the Giants’ regular-season finale, a 20-6 victory over the Redskins, his grin wouldn’t go away.
Who could blame him after the first two-touchdown performance of his career?
After nearly three years of patiently waiting his turn, waiting for a chance to show what he was capable of, Jernigan finally got an opportunity these last three weeks, and he made up for lost time, producing the first three touchdowns of his career.
“Coaches have been telling me throughout the week it’s my opportunity to make plays for the team,” he said. “I’m letting the coaching staff know, and organization know, I can make plays.
“It’s just a matter of time before I get out there and start showcasing my abilities.”
Sunday afternoon, in the rain and cold at MetLife Stadium, Jernigan caught six catches for a career-high 90 yards, hauled in a 24-yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning, and used his speed on the slick turf to take an end-around 49 yards for another score, the kind of big plays the Giants envisioned they would get when they used a third round pick in the 2011 draft on the 5-foot-8 speedster from Alabama.
“He grew into a guy that wanted the ball and did things well with the ball when he got it,” coach Tom Coughlin said.
The Giants have worked on the end-around in practice, Jernigan said, but haven’t gotten the right look in games. They finally went to it on Sunday. Jernigan cut back as the Redskins didn’t over-pursue. He made a few defenders miss at the point of attack before speeding down the left sideline.
“As soon as I broke it, I knew nobody was going to catch me,” he said, flashing another smile.
Jernigan got consistent playing time the last three games after Victor Cruz went down with a knee injury. He produced, catching 19 passes for 237 yards, and outplaying Nicks.
Nicks, the soon-to-be free agent hurt his ankle on the same play he was called for offensive pass interference in the end zone, a symbolic end to a frustrating season.
With so many holes to fill, the Giants are almost certain not to bring back the fifth-year pro and former first-round pick. Jernigan, meanwhile, showed why he should be in their plans.
“Without question, it’s a big opportunity whether Hakeem comes back or not,” Jernigan said. “I’m just out here trying to let them know I can contribute to the offense next year with Victor coming back.”