Giants WR issues public challenge to his teammates ahead of Dolphins game

Wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins delivered a message to teammates Friday as the 1-3 New York Giants prepare to play at the 3-1 Miami Dolphins this Sunday afternoon. 

"Let’s go out there and play loose and forget all the overthinking," Hodgins said while speaking with Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "Let’s just go out there p----- off and play for each other." 

All three of New York's losses over the past month were double-digit defeats, and Big Blue needed a historic comeback to earn a win at the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. Most recently, the Giants allowed an embarrassing 11 sacks in this past Monday's 24-3 home loss to the Seattle Seahawks, a result which was followed by right tackle Evan Neal ripping fans who booed the team at MetLife Stadium. 

Neal apologized on multiple occasions later in the week and admitted the comments he offered on Wednesday were made "out of a moment of frustration." Hodgins indicated on Friday that Neal isn't the only player inside the locker room angry over what occurred on Monday night. 

"Obviously, a lot of people in here are p----- off, because we expect more from ourselves and we know we can do better," Hodgins said. "It’s not necessarily like pouting, but just a competitive p----- off, like: Let’s go." 

Many, if not most, believe the Giants won't upset the Dolphins even if star running back Saquon Barkley returns from the ankle injury that sidelined him for the past two games. As of early Friday evening, OddsChecker listed the Giants as 12.5-point underdogs for Sunday's contest. 

Veteran defensive lineman and team captain Leonard Williams told Slater the Giants did not hold a players-only meeting following Monday's debacle because such gatherings can create "pressure and tension" and produce a "'sky is falling' type of energy" in the locker room. Williams may have to quickly change his mind if the Dolphins humiliate the Giants at Hard Rock Stadium.