Malik Nabers, the 21-year-old wide receiver of the New York Giants, took responsibility for a costly fumble that contributed to the team’s 0-2 start after the loss to the Washington Commanders. He admitted that he felt disappointed that he let the team down.
The Giants lost to the Washington Commanders 21-18 despite the latter not scoring even one touchdown. Commanders’ kicker Austin Seibert, who replaced Cade York, had a 7-on-7 performance, crucial to their victory. On the opposite side, the Giants lost their kicker, Graham Gano, in the opening kickoff after the player suffered an injury.
Nabers’ drop couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Giants faced 4th-and-4 with just over two minutes left, needing a crucial conversion as they lacked the depth to attempt a tie-breaking field goal. With everything on the line, Malik Nabers dropped the pass. In the successive play, the turnover-on-downs awarded the Commanders and Giants GM’s son’s draft wish, Jayden Daniels‘ side, their game-winning FG.
Post-game, Nabers admitted he was hurt by letting down the veterans. He added that, no matter how well you play, the final result is what counts and expressed regret for not living up to his own standards.
I’m disappointed. No matter how good of a game you can play, that last play came down to me. I’m hurt that I let those veterans down. I know what kind of confidence they have in me... The main motto that’s in my head — don’t let my team down. And I let my team down.Malik Nabers added in the post game conference
“I’m hurt that I let the veterans down, they know what kind of player I am. I know what kind of confidence they have in me. The main motto that’s in my head is ‘don’t let my team down,’ and I let my team down.”
Nabers is all that was promised. He was quick and smooth, with some flashy catches. He recorded 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown that gave the Giants a 12-9 lead late in the first half. Nabers, known for his honest admissions, taking responsibility might be a fruitful step for the Giants as they go forward in the league.
Teammate Tyrone Tracy consoled Malik Nabers after the crucial drop
Tyrone Tracy, a fellow rookie, consoled Malik Nabers amongst a few others after the wide receiver dropped the ball. Tracy walked up to Nabers as the latter pounded on the ground in frustration. Speaking to NJ Advance Media, Tracy said that this kind of play happens in football and advised his teammate.
I just told him, 'We all believe in you. I believe in you. That play is going to come again. And you’re going to make it. Learn from your mistakes and just continue to better yourself.'Tyrone Tracy said
Tracy said he’d want support in that situation, which is why he felt the need to be there for Nabers. He added that Nabers is competitive, hard-working, and will bounce back, emphasizing that he’s someone who learns from his mistakes.
Keeping the drop aside, Nabers did an excellent job for the Giants. As the 0-2 looms against the Giants, they are in dire need of a win. The Giants will be looking to have a collected Nabers with easy speed and catches as they face the Cleveland Browns in the next game.
