Malik Nabers, a rookie wide receiver for the New York Giants, had a standout performance in Week 2.
Even though the Washington Commanders defeated them brutally, 21–18, Nabers was still able to record 127 yards and his first career score. However, that didn’t stop him from accepting accountability at a pivotal time.
“It hurts that I let the veterans down; they know my calibre as a player,” Nabers said to reporters in the locker room following the game. “I am aware of the level of trust they place in me. ‘Don’t let my team down’ is my mantra, and I let my team down.”
Nabers was alluding to a crucial fourth-down conversion that transpired at the end of the fourth quarter, during which quarterback Daniel Jones attempted an almost flawless pass that escaped his grasp, leading to a downs play. Washington would make the game-winning walk-off field goal after driving down the field.
To be fair, Nabers wasn’t solely responsible for the outcome of the game.
On the first kickoff, New York’s kicker, Graham Gano, suffered a hamstring injury. As a result, the team was unable to carry out its conventional game plan for field goals and extra point attempts.
Going into the last drive, New York likely has eight more points on its side of the scoreboard if Gano stays injury-free (and he cannot be held accountable for that either).
After New York’s first touchdown, punter Jamie Gillan, who replaced Gano in the kicking game, failed an extra point attempt. Head coach Brian Daboll was compelled to use two-point conversions from that point on (New York would miss one on their second touchdown).
Additionally, New York could have kicked two field goals instead of having to face the two fourth down conversions, which it failed on.
Therefore, despite the fact that Nabers wanted to own up to a grab that he really ought to have had, the incident shouldn’t be taken too seriously in light of his incredible Sunday performance.
