Malik Nabers gave the Giants something to think about after Week 4, and it may have pointed Matt Nagy toward the simplest answer for Sunday’s trip to Washington: feed the rookie.
Nabers wasn’t shy after New York’s win over the Arizona Cardinals, when he finished with 112 yards and a touchdown. He said he felt the ball should have come his way more often, especially after halftime, and he made clear that the Giants could have built on more downfield shots to create better scoring chances.
“I felt like I didn't get targeted much after halftime. So, that was just a thing.
It's just ... I felt like creating explosives down the field was just helping us get in a better position to score touchdowns.
Some of those plays didn't come my way, so just trying to figure out why.”
Malik Nabers on his targets in Week 4
The Giants probably didn’t love hearing that, but the timing could work out in their favor. If they want the cleanest path to another divisional win in Week 5, getting Nabers involved early and often looks like the move.
That idea has plenty of support. Nabers already set the franchise record for targets as a rookie, and the Commanders have had real trouble dealing with top wideouts this season.
CeeDee Lamb hung 153 yards on them. Jaxon Smith-Njigba added 128.
When opponents have leaned heavily on their best receiver, Washington has not had a good answer.
The matchup on the outside also tilts toward New York. Mike Sainristil has drawn criticism from Commanders fans, Trey Amos is still working back from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for the first month of the season, and Rasul Douglas would have to show a lot at 31 to suddenly erase that concern.
New York’s own receiver situation makes the case even stronger. With Braxton Berrios out for the rest of the season, the Giants are down to four receivers on the active roster. That leaves Nabers and Isaiah Likely as the players who should soak up most of the attention, with Malachi Fields and Darnell Mooney filling in as supporting pieces.
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