EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants’ rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers continues to check every box.
First, he dominated the Giants’ cornerbacks daily to open training camp. This week, a new challenge came against the Detroit Lions in joint practices. Nabers proved that his success against his teammates wasn’t a fluke as he routinely torched Lions cornerbacks in the two practices.
“I feel like it’s just an evaluation of what I can do, what I can’t do,” Nabers said. “As I go out here, and I show them that there’s not a lot that I can’t do. So, as many times as I make plays, the more opportunities that will come my way.”
GO DEEPER
Malik Nabers wants to ‘destroy you,’ and that’s why the Giants wanted him
More opportunities will certainly come Nabers’ way, as he is already established as the team’s most dangerous weapon. Nabers made four catches on Tuesday, highlighted by a 25-yard touchdown grab after beating Lions rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold on a fade route. The Giants’ offense otherwise looked disjointed when the ball was not thrown to the explosive first-round pick.
“I’m just out here trying to compete at the highest point, make plays when I got the opportunity, continue to show my coaches that I’m able to play in this league,” Nabers said.
Nabers’ impressive showing came to an ugly end when he pushed Lions safety Kerby Joseph in the face on his way back to the huddle after failing to snag a fade from quarterback Daniel Jones in a red-zone drill late in practice. A nasty brawl ensued, with Nabers and Joseph exchanging wild punches.
Fireworks and fights are back! #giants Rookie Malik Nabers and #lions Kerby Joseph throwing punches pic.twitter.com/QHqUt7s2Yx
— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) August 6, 2024
Nabers’ competitiveness is unquestioned, but the Giants surely would prefer he uses his hands for catching passes instead of throwing punches at helmeted players.
That fight sent practice off the rails after the fights that dominated Monday’s practice had been curtailed. Nearly every play ended in a scuffle after that, and the final period of practice was scrapped as a result.
Here’s everything else you need to know about Tuesday’s practice:
Attendance
WR Dennis Houston (hand), CB Christian Holmes (claimed Monday) and S Elijah Riley (concussion) were the only players not spotted at practice.
Injury report
OLB Boogie Basham was carted off the field late in practice for heat-related reasons.
TE Chris Manhertz was a full participant after leaving Monday’s practice early.
TE Lawrence Cager (hamstring), TE Jack Stoll (concussion), OLB Tomon Fox (hamstring) and LB Carter Coughlin (lower body) worked on the side with trainers. That group was joined by OL Evan Neal, who remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, and S Jalen Mills, who remains on the non-football injury list.
C John Michael Schmitz suited up, but he didn’t participate in his eighth straight practice due to a shoulder injury.
GO DEEPER
Giants rookie roundup: How has the 2024 draft class fared so far in camp?
Observations
Highs and lows
Jones completed 7-of-12 passes in 11-on-11 periods. Four of those completions were to Nabers — he made a team-high eight catches in 11-on-11s during joint practices — and the other three were short passes to slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson.
The offense otherwise had some rough moments. There likely would have been sacks on two of the first three reps in 11-on-11. Jones attempted a check-down on the first of those plays that went directly to Lions nose tackle Kyle Peko, who failed to hold on for an interception.
The offense is still a work in progress, although the big-play ability of Nabers adds an explosive element that is desperately needed.
Looking good
Greg Van Roten continues to serve as the starting center. The 34-year-old Van Roten, who was signed last Tuesday, typically rotates with Austin Schlottmann midway through each 11-on-11 period.
Van Roten was solid in one-on-ones against the Lions’ defensive linemen in both practices. Left tackle Andrew Thomas puts on a clinic against everyone he faces in the drills designed to give pass rushers an advantage. The Giants’ entire starting offensive line held up well in one-on-ones on Tuesday.
Andrew Thomas: Brick wall pic.twitter.com/yEDqZbGSA1
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) August 6, 2024
Lock-ed in
Backup quarterback Drew Lock delivered his best practice of camp on Tuesday. Lock, who completed 8-of-9 passes, has obvious arm talent. He has a lightning-quick release, and the ball explodes out of his hand.
The problem is Lock doesn’t always have the best accuracy, but he was on point on Tuesday. He used slick ball-handling on play fake in the red zone to fool the defense and allow him to hit Allen Robinson for a touchdown on a crossing route.
Robinson caught six passes from Lock in the joint practices to lead all second-team receivers. The 30-year-old has proven he can still get open. Robinson may not have a spot on the roster, but he’s been a valuable leader during camp and could be an ideal insurance policy to stash on the practice squad.
Fellow wide receiver Gunner Olszewski also had a strong practice. He showed good burst after catching a slant from Lock. Olszewski also broke a long kickoff return as the teams drilled the new play for the first time. Making plays as a returner will be Olszewski’s ticket to a roster spot.
Mc-Cloud coverage
Nick McCloud took No. 2 cornerback reps throughout the practice, replacing Cor’Dale Flott who had exclusively worked with the starters before Tuesday. While Deonte Banks has assumed the No. 1 corner spot, the opposite spot has been unsettled.
After not bringing back Adoree’ Jackson, the Giants didn’t make a big offseason investment at the position. With Dru Phillips assuming the slot role, it appears McCloud is competing for the other starting corner role.
Getting defensive
Lions quarterback Jared Goff went 5-of-8 in the seven-on-seven period of practice. Dyontae Johnson and rookie sixth-round pick Darius Muasau took some first-team reps at linebacker during the seven-on-seven period. Johnson has stepped up as Micah McFadden has missed reps with a hamstring injury. Bobby Okereke continues to be the stabilizing presence at linebacker.
Goff finished 8-of-10 during the 11-on-11 first-team period. Outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari took first-team reps for a set before Brian Burns, who left to get his right ankle taped, returned in the next two periods. Burns had a strong two practice sessions, making life difficult for the Lions’ formidable offensive line.
Goff went 2-of-3 during a feisty red-zone session at the end of practice. On both completions, Banks was in coverage. On a touchdown run up the middle, defensive tackle D.J. Davidson was getting first-team reps along with Rakeem Nunez-Roches, who has had a strong camp. As outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux said, “A lot of people count (Nunez-Roches) out as being an older guy, but he’s playing like he’s one of the young guys.”
The final play of Goff’s red-zone period looked like it would have been a sack and ended as an incompletion.
Kicker scorecard
Kicker Graham Gano went 4-for-4 on field goal attempts of varying distances. Rookie kicker Jude McAtamney went 4-for-5, missing his last kick from 50-plus yards.
Play of the day
Nabers was lined up alone on the left side against Arnold during an 11-on-11 period. The alignment was calling out for a deep shot to the rookie, and Jones obliged. Nabers gained immediate separation by stuttering his release before exploding down the left sideline. Jones lofted a pass that Nabers leapt to grab over Arnold’s out-stretched arm for a touchdown.
Malik Nabers for six pic.twitter.com/q6Xlim1F8i
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) August 6, 2024
Quote of the day
“Last year, we had no energy. This year, we’re a new team, different team. We remember what happened last year. We remember our record. We’ve got to improve in all areas of the football team.” — WR Jalin Hyatt
Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox.
Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox.
Sign Up
Next up
The Giants are off Wednesday. They’ll host the Lions in the preseason opener Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
(Photo of Malik NabersL Lucas Boland / USA Today)
