Giants WR Malik Nabers Calls Out ‘Soft’ Effort in Loss to Buccaneers
image 6745fc3e203c9.webp
The New York Giants suffered their sixth consecutive loss on Sunday, falling 30-7 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers had a modest game statistically, his postgame remarks dominated headlines as he labeled the team’s performance “soft,” highlighting mounting frustration within the Giants’ locker room.
Nabers’ Frustration Highlights Team Struggles
Selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Malik Nabers has been a rare bright spot in the Giants’ otherwise dismal season. However, he expressed his dissatisfaction after yet another disappointing outing. Despite leading the team in receptions and receiving yards, Nabers’ involvement was notably limited in the first half.
“First, second quarter, I don’t get the ball,” Nabers said, venting his frustration. “Start getting targets at the end. I mean, can’t do nothing. Start getting the ball when it’s 30-0. What do you want me to do?”
Nabers ended the game with six receptions for 64 yards, but his lack of opportunities early on raised questions. When pressed for answers, he redirected reporters to head coach Brian Daboll, who acknowledged the team’s offensive struggles but provided no clear explanation.
Offensive Woes Persist Post-Daniel Jones
The Giants’ offensive struggles continued in their first game since releasing veteran quarterback Daniel Jones. Rookie QB Tommy DeVito, starting in his place, faced relentless pressure, completing 21 of 31 passes for 189 yards while enduring four sacks and nine quarterback hits.
Despite these challenges, Nabers defended DeVito, emphasizing that the Giants’ problems go beyond quarterback play. “Obviously, it ain’t the quarterback,” Nabers asserted. “Same outcome when we had D.J. at quarterback. Take a look, it ain’t the quarterback.”
Historic Offensive Futility at MetLife Stadium
The Giants’ home performance in 2024 has reached historic lows. With a 2-9 record and an average of 10.6 points per game at MetLife Stadium, the team is on track to record the lowest home scoring average of any NFL team since 2000, according to Next Gen Stats.
Against the Buccaneers, the Giants’ offense managed just 45 total yards in the first half and failed to score until the fourth quarter, long after the game was out of reach.
What Lies Ahead for the Giants?
As the losses pile up, frustration within the Giants organization continues to grow. Malik Nabers’ postgame comments shine a light on the team’s lack of accountability and effort. Whether these frustrations can spark a turnaround or lead to further disarray remains uncertain.
The Giants’ season is slipping away, and changes may be inevitable as the team looks to address its offensive inefficiencies, locker room tensions, and inability to secure wins.
Key Stats:
- Malik Nabers: Six receptions, 64 yards
- Giants’ Home Scoring Average: League-low 10.6 points per game
- Tommy DeVito’s Performance: 189 yards, 21 completions, four sacks
The road ahead looks challenging, but for the Giants, addressing these fundamental issues will be critical in salvaging anything positive from this disappointing campaign.
