PHILADELPHIA — It has been a rough first couple of weeks for Giants’ running back David Wilson. There was the fumble against Dallas in the season opener and the obvious lack of playing time that, not coincidentally, followed.
But after his performance last night in the Giants’ 19-17 loss to the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, the rookie from Virginia Tech was clearly feeling better about the way things were headed.
Wilson still didn’t get to line up in the backfield or run the ball from scrimmage, but he did return three kickoffs for 53, 48 and 45 yards, giving the Giants excellent field position each time.
“I wanted to go out there and show that I’m a football player,” Wilson said as he exited the hushed Giants locker room and headed for the bus and the long ride back up the Turnpike. “The return team did an excellent job setting it up… and I just used my God-given abilities to take advantage.
“I wanted to actually contribute to this game and it was a lot of fun. Gave me more confidence to move forward with the season and get more involved with the team.’’
Involved he was.
Wilson returned six kicks in all, averaging 36.2 yards per return. It was enough to make coach Tom Coughlin take notice and, although he didn’t mention Wilson by name, he did throw some praise his way.
“I really did believe we’d do some damage on kickoff returns and we did,” said Coughlin. “We got ourselves great field position and you would have thought with that great field position we would have had more points.’’
OK, so he wasn’t laying rose petals at Wilson’s feet, but you can be sure Coughlin knew exactly who was giving his offense that prime field position. And if he didn’t, he’ll see it when he reviews the video.
“I did my part and the offense did the best they could,” Wilson said. “They went out there and gave us a chance to win.’’
Wilson had sublet a room in Coughlin’s doghouse ever since he lost that fumble against the Cowboys. The Giants were driving at the time and ended up losing the game, 24-17. Even last week against Carolina when there was enough garbage time for everyone in the Giants’ lopsided win, Wilson hardly got off the bench.
But he said he never got down.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” Wilson said. “Getting out there and getting my feet back under me this week is a good feeling. But we’ve got to win more games.’’
Wilson said he thought he was headed for a touchdown on a few of his returns last night, only to have an Eagles player grab him at what he thought was the last second before he broke into the clear.
“I’m so close on those returns,” he said. “Hopefully, I can get a few in the end zone this year.
“It’s exciting. … But it’s also frustrating to get that close. You’re getting teased a little bit. But it’s definitely fun.’’