Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers drew attention when he remarked after the New York Giants’ 28-3 home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles that he “was open” during the game, despite only making four catches on eight targets for 41 yards. He emphasized that the Giants “need to improve in making plays, protecting the quarterback, and doing our best to score points.”
On Thursday, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was asked about Nabers’ statements during a press conference with reporters.
“I think it’s good that a receiver thinks he’s open, for sure,” Jones said, as shared by the Giants’ website. “I think you want a receiver to think he’s open. You go back and look at the tape, maybe one or two opportunities to get him the ball and see where I can do that.”
Jones and the New York offensive line had a tough day against the Eagles, with Jones taking seven sacks and throwing for only 99 yards before being replaced by backup Drew Lock when the game was nearly out of reach. As Paul Schwartz from the New York Post pointed out, the Giants have managed only one touchdown in their home games this season and are averaging just 7.8 points at MetLife Stadium.
“You want a receiver to want the ball,” Jones continued on Thursday, “and I think Malik understood what was going on, and we had a conversation. I understand his point of view too. So, certainly trying to get him involved.”
According to ESPN stats, Nabers leads the Giants this season with 427 receiving yards and three touchdown catches. He’s second on the team with 39 receptions and 60 targets, despite missing two consecutive games due to concussion protocol.
Jones mentioned that he has “always liked playing on the road” since his high school days. There’s hope that he and Nabers will shine as a dynamic duo when the 2-5 Giants face the 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers this Monday night.
As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook has the Giants listed as six-point underdogs against the Steelers. There are speculations that if Big Blue loses in Pittsburgh, Jones might become a full-time observer as the team could look to move on from his contract in the upcoming offseason.
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