DaytonDailyNews.com

When the Cleveland Browns met up with the New York Giants in the preseason it was clear that the team was overmatched. The World Champions got off to a quick start scoring two touchdowns in their first three possessions. The Giants won the game 37-34 despite a late surge by Cleveland.

The star player in that game was little-known Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, who was on the receiving end of two Eli Manning touchdown passes, and returned a 82-yard kickoff for a touchdown, all coming in the first quarter. It was a night to remember for the former University of Akron receiver.

Stepping in

During a phone interview with Hixon on Saturday, he talked about his performance this season and the homecoming Monday night matchup against Cleveland.

In Week 5, Hixon showed his worth when he was asked to step up his game in the absence of leading receiver Plaxico Burress, who was suspended by the team for a game.

The third-year receiver answered the call by hauling in four catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in his first career start.

Hixon led the Giants in receiving to assist New York in a win over Seattle 44-6.

There is no doubt that he has gained the attention of the Browns' secondary with last week's performance if he hadn't already before.

When asked if the defense and special-teams would game plan for him, Hixon couldn't have been more modest.

"Not necessarily for me," he said. "The situation is different now. Plaxico is back so I don't think they are necessarily game planning for me."

Maybe they should.

Another weapon

The 6-foot-2, 182-pound Hixon is a tremendous talent and is the go-to-guy in clutch situations. He's another weapon for Manning to throw to and is a legitimate deep threat.

Hixon's play in the preseason has carried over to the regular season and NFL teams need to be on alert. He's turning into a force to be reckoned with.

Hixon said the chemistry between he and Manning was established day on one.

"It's great having a guy like Eli in the huddle," he said. "Coming in last year from the Broncos, Eli and I worked at it from day one and didn't waste any time. "He puts in a lot of work with film study as well as on the field and it's paying off for him."

Hixon was claimed off waivers by the Giants in 2007 after the Denver Broncos waived him.

Hixon said he didn't go into training camp with any high expectations. He just wanted to work hard every day and be accountable when called upon. It appears to be paying off for him as well.

The receiver played his high school ball at Whitehall-Yearling High School outside of Columbus, Ohio and is excited about the opportunity to play in Cleveland.

"This is something that I am really looking forward to," Hixon said. "Even going to school in Akron you always heard about the Browns fans and the great atmosphere to play in. To finally be able to play there will be fun."

Carlos "Big C" Holmes covers the NFL for Dayton Daily News.

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