New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Naber is as advertised. He’s a dynamic talent the organization has not seen since Odell Beckham Jr.
Not only is Nabers a lot like Beckham, but he also has some traits similar to Super Bowl XLII champion Plaxico Burres. Most notably, his ability to go up and win 50-50 balls.
Or in Sunday’s case, something more like a 30-70 ball.
On a second-and-8 from the Cleveland Browns’ 41-yard line, quarterback Daniel Jones tossed a ball up to Nabers that appeared quite underthrown. Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. went up for what seemed destined to be an interception only to have Nabers come over his back, yank the ball out of Emerson’s hands, and get his feet down in bounds for the first down.
Malik Nabers said yes, yes swiping.
📺: #NYGvsCLE on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/7pR1WJRfQn— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024
The Giants hurried to the line so that the Browns couldn’t challenge and then just a few plays later, Nabers made another spectacular catch — this time for a go-ahead touchdown.
Malik Nabers has a touchdown!
📺: #NYGvsCLE on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/4XDd73juH1— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024
In the words of legendary late pitchman Billy Mays, but wait! There’s more!
With just seconds remaining in the second quarter, Nabers hauled in yet another touchdown. It wasn’t as impressive a catch as the other two highlighted above, but it was an exclamation point on an incredible first-half performance.
Headed into halftime, Nabers has six receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns, as well as two rushes for four yards and one first down/
