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After watching weeks of highlight-reel catches by New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers during training camp, fans were hoping to see more of the same in the team’s preseason opener against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night.
Unfortunately, Nabers had a quiet night before he was pulled from the game in the first quarter. The LSU product didn’t record any catches and wasn’t targeted during his time on the field.
Giants backup quarterback Drew Lock got the start in place of Daniel Jones and struggled to move the ball. To make matters worse, he barely looked Nabers’ way, which was surprising considering the 2024 No. 6 pick is New York’s most dangerous offensive player. Nabers also got some separation from defenders multiple times, but Lock couldn’t find him.
Fans waiting to see highlights of Nabers had to settle for a one-handed catch in pre-game warmups and a celebration after running back Eric Gray rushed for a 48-yard touchdown:
Giants Videos @SNYGiants
Malik Nabers pulls in a one-handed catch in pregame warm-ups 🔥
NFL @NFL
Malik Nabers and Deonte Banks loved it! https://t.co/UyodShUbbm pic.twitter.com/iCCnb5NZVU
Following Nabers’ quiet night, fans sounded off on social media and let it be known that they were hoping for more:
Ralph Vacchiano @RalphVacchiano
Malik Nabers seems like he’s constantly wide open.
Drew Lock either hasn’t had time to get him the ball or just hasn’t seen him. But the separation is real.
Wesley Steinberg @WesSteinberg
#Giants already in midseason form as WR Malik Nabers is wide open but didn’t receive the football.
Jordan Raanan @JordanRaanan
The final tally on Malik Nabers’ debut: 12 snaps, ran eight routes, was open a few times but didn’t get a ball thrown in his direction. #Giants
King of Boltz ⚡️ @KingofBoltz
Oh look Malik Nabers getting wide open pic.twitter.com/NYUap4TKmG
brandon @JayDanielsMVP
Malik Nabers today in his preseason debut https://t.co/8nB1Fo49oM pic.twitter.com/7GiDjKmXRp
Alex Wilson @AlexWilsonESM
Giants’ Halftime Takeaways:
-Dyontae Johnson might be LB2
-Give me Cutlets at QB2
-Nabers is open every play
-Hawkins with a nice evening
-Offensive line is MUCH better!!!
-Gray and Tracy are both solid RBsDrop more 👇
Mason Dodd @MasonDoddFFN
“Trust me Malik Nabers played great, his QB was just horrible”
Yeah that’s gonna be the issue all year
By most accounts, Nabers has been the most impressive player for the Giants during training camp. The 21-year-old has all the tools to be a superstar in the NFL, but New York will need competent quarterback play to get the best out of him.
Perhaps Nabers will have a better showing when Jones returns to the lineup. For now, he will look toward the Giants’ second preseason game on Aug. 17 against the Houston Texans for his next opportunity to give fans the explosive plays they want to see.
