Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers made his New York Giants debut on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions but things did not go according to plan.
Head coach Brian Daboll reportedly planned to sit Nabers initially, but the first-round pick talked his way into the starting lineup. In total, he took 12 snaps.
Despite the limited action, Nabers did what he’s done all training camp and repeatedly got open down the field. However, he wasn’t provided the opportunity to showcase his big-play ability.
Spent that series iso'd in on Malik Nabers
Was wide open on this play and Drew Lock never saw him. Crowd didn't like it. pic.twitter.com/NO35eO0DFL
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) August 8, 2024
“Drew thought he saw something with the safety coming down on the tight end, so he pulled the trigger. He thought the guy was running out underneath him, so he was trying to make a smart decision,” head coach Brian Daboll told reporters after the game.
Quarterback Drew Lock, who eventually left the game with a hip injury, looked in Nabers’ direction just once. The rookie did not receive a single target.
“We had a plan. I wasn’t sure if I was playing. I did a very good job of getting open, but everything has to go my way to get the ball,” Nabers said, via the New York Post. “It was kind of slippery out there. I think I could’ve done a better job of creating separation, getting better looks for the QB to throw the ball in better spots. That’s all I can do — continue to do what I do.”
The lack of targets clearly rubbed Nabers the wrong way but he was at the mercy of the elements. Lock was struggling, the field was wet, and his leash was short.
It was an unexpected and underwhelming NFL debut for the budding superstar, but he’ll have another chance next Saturday against the Houston Texans.
