Jameis Winston laments poor ‘timing’ on critical interception that spoiled first Giants start

Jameis Winston threw a touchdown pass to Jalin Hyatt on Aug. 21 that had everyone within the Giants feeling good about both enigmas headed into the regular season.

Eighty-seven days later, with a chance to tie Sunday’s score, Winston again targeted Hyatt, and the play resulted in an interception from the 14-yard line that all but sealed a 27-20 loss to the Packers.

“When you don’t have the reps with some of your teammates, you’ve got to capitalize on those moments and continue to work even harder and find solutions because when the game really matters, timing and execution is the most important thing,” Winston said. “Jalin and I, our timing and execution could have been a lot better.”

Hyatt appeared to cut off his flag route to the end zone with the ball in the air against a Cover 2 scheme, and Evan Williams came down with an uncontested interception with 36 seconds remaining.

“I’ve got to make the play,” Hyatt said. “When I turned my head it was already in the air, but at the end of the day it’s on me.”

Welcome to the Jameis Winston Experience, Giants fans.

Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19), dancing in the end zone after running for a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Sunday. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

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After weeks of outcry begging for Winston to be elevated above game-manager Russ Wilson, the Giants made the change to their backup quarterback depth chart and started Winston for the first time with Jaxson Dart sidelined by a concussion.

On one hand, Winston led three touchdown drives and capped the last with a 1-yard quarterback sneak for a 20-19 lead. He helped right guard Greg Van Roten to his feet, slapped hands with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and then took so long with his touchdown dance that all 10 other players were back on the sideline and worried about a potential delay of game before the PAT.

“I was going to let him have his moment,” joked center John Michael Schmitz Jr., who served up the trademark “W” for Winston to eat.

Giants quarterback Jameis Winston (19), walking off the field after the Giants lost to the Packers 27-20. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

On the other hand, Winston turned the ball over on each of his final two snaps. The interception was followed by the defense forcing a punt to set up a Hail Mary throw from Winston that never came because he was strip-sacked by Micah Parsons as time expired.

“I really wanted to win for these guys,” Winston said. “How we dominated the line of scrimmage, we ran the ball effectively. We did some good things in the passing game. [Interim coach Mike Kafka] did an incredible job calling this game. I really wanted to win this one for us.”

Winston is known for throwing to anticipated spots and giving his receivers a chance to make plays on 50/50 balls. That played out as he went 19-of-29 for 201 yards and converted 3-of-4 fourth downs.

“It was fun there until the end, but I thought he played well,” said receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who was bracketed over the middle of the field on the interception. “Everybody is going to get your shot [with Winston], and you just have to try your best to make a play.”