The New York Giants face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon. Here are some thoughts ahead of a game the Giants are underdogs to win.

Thoughts on Jalin Hyatt

I understand why Jalin Hyatt, the speedy second-year receiver who was at the center of what seemed like a media-heavy storm on Friday, is confused by his lack of opportunities in the Giants’ first two games.

All that speed, all that game-changing potential can’t be unleashed with Hyatt on the sidelines.

The thing is, I completely understand why Hyatt has come up short in terms of playing time — and will likely continue to do so.

Malik Nabers has quickly established himself as the Giants’ best offensive playmaker. He will legitimately play every down. Wan’Dale Robinson is the slot receiver. He’s good at it, and it’s not a position Hyatt plays. Darius Slayton has been the Giants’ best receiver in four of the last five seasons. He’s a vertical threat and a comfortable, reliable target for Daniel Jones. In fact, he’s a better and more consistent player than Hyatt right now.

That’s a good problem to have. The Giants have four good receivers at three positions.

Yes, the Giants could play with four wide receivers more often. But that would mean fewer blockers and the offensive line would be vulnerable. That’s not a solution.

This is one of the reasons why Slayton could be on the trade list in a few weeks.

There is another aspect of this situation that I must comment on. I cannot accept the sentiment that some have expressed that this story – which Hyatt vigorously refuted – is an indication that coach Brian Daboll is losing control of the locker room.

I was in the locker room just on Wednesday and I didn’t see any signs of that. I see players who aren’t happy with the results of the first two weeks, but I don’t see players pointing fingers at the coaching staff or turning against them.

I saw it with Ben McAdoo. I saw it with Joe Judge in his final weeks. I know what it looks like and feels like. Could it happen with Daboll if things don’t get better? Absolutely. But I don’t feel like it’s happening yet.

These recommendations from employees … again

For the third week in a row, all of the Big Blue View writers have made the same prediction. This week, it was that the Giants will lose on Sunday. That worries me again.

There is one path to victory for the Giants in this game. They must exploit Cleveland’s vulnerable offensive line, force struggling quarterback DeShaun Watson into mistakes, and neutralize Cleveland’s pass rush.

If you do that and avoid self-inflicted injuries, the Giants have a chance against Cleveland.

Survey results

The vast majority of readers who participated in our Bryce Young poll agree that the Giants should stay away from the No. 1 overall pick in 2023. The Panthers apparently have no plans to trade Young.

In case you missed it

Here are some of my favorite BBV readings from the last few days.

Oh, and the crossover podcast with Jared Mueller from SB Nation’s Browns website, Dawgs By Nature.