Daniel Bellinger took advantage of the Giants’ opportunity amid widespread problems

Several important offensive contributions were presented as mere footnotes during the Giants’ historic fourth-quarter collapse Sunday in Denver.

One of these was provided by Daniel Bellinger, who took the longest reception of his four-year NFL career into the end zone in the first quarter for the Giants’ first points of the game.

The backup tight end caught three passes from rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart for 88 total yards, including a 44-yard TD run barely eight minutes into the game. 33-32 Week 7 loss to the Broncos.

“It was important for me, just to help me understand that I have to be ready for any opportunities when they come, especially in this position where we’re using both tight ends,” Bellinger said after participating limited, due to a neck issue, in Thursday’s practice at East Rutherford. “It was a big thing for me to understand that this is an opportunity, and I have to make the most of it.”

The 25-year-old recorded 30 receptions in 12 games as a rookie, which still represents his career total as his fourth NFL season approaches the halfway mark.

He has regressed to 25 and 14 catches, respectively, despite dressing in all 17 games over the past two seasons.

Bellinger lost playing time to former Pro Bowler import Darren Waller in ’23, and the Giants spent a fourth-round pick on tight end Theo Johnson last year. He captured the starting job with four touchdowns among 20 catches during the team’s 2-5 start.

“It’s been tough on a personal level, but I’ve stuck to the fact that opportunities will come, and I have to be ready for them when they come,” Bellinger said. “I feel like I (Johnson) complement each other well.

“We can do the run game and the pass game. So having that versatility helps us offensively, helps keep the defense on its toes and guessing what we’re going to do.”

Giants coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka have used more TE sets since No. 1 receiver Malik Knabers went down with a torn ACL in Week 4. Veteran Darius Slayton also missed last week’s game, but he could return to the lineup Sunday in Philadelphia.

“When those things happen, other players have to step up and make plays when they have that opportunity,” Bellinger said. “We’ve had this opportunity and we need to take advantage of it. I feel like we have, but we have to keep doing it.”

Kafka added that he was not surprised by Bellinger’s contributions in recent weeks.

“Since Billy’s been here as a rookie, he’s done nothing but be consistent in his approach, consistent with his play,” Kafka said. “Every week is going to be a little different in how we want to attack the defence.

“But over the last couple of weeks, (Bellinger) has been a part of that plan. That was no surprise to me, he’s stepped up the game a lot, done the right things both running and passing. He’s a guy we’re going to count on and he’s one of the leaders of the group, and a guy I have complete confidence in.”