The Giants' frustrating start to the 2025 season produced a fiery exchange between a young star and coach well before they'd even reached halftime in Week 1.
Emotions run high on NFL fields. But sometimes, participants in these interactions forget they're being broadcast to millions of viewers.
Malik Nabers found himself in the spotlight after New York's 21-6 loss to Washington because he was caught in high definition communicating with Brian Daboll in an animated fashion. Those quick to judge their interaction assumed Nabers was frustrated with his target share, but the receiver swiftly refuted that conclusion Wednesday.
"Just 12 targets and five catches, just not how I want to end the day off," Nabers said. "I know everybody was more focused overall on me getting mad I wasn't getting the ball. It wasn't at all what I was concerned about. I had 12 targets. Why would I argue about getting the ball if I had 12 targets?"
Nabers admitted he needs "to be more conscious" of the ever-present television cameras while on the field but also chalked up his display to the disappointing outcome of their season opener -- and how he looks when he isn't focused on expressing himself.
"Just overall just how I played," he said. "I don't think that is why I was frustrated. Like I said, I was trying to get the offense going. I was trying to get people to, 'Let's get rolling.' The lights was on. The game was on. It was time to play. I feel that just got pushed over and everybody was talking about how I had an attitude and stuff like that.
"I got an NBF. I got a natural b---- face. That is just what it is. That is my face. I don't know. When you all talk to me, I look the same way every time. I don't know, it's just how I am. I guess I have to smile more."
Nabers will smile much more if his team starts producing offensively. New York's struggles were pronounced in the loss, especially in a goal-to-go scenario in which the Giants ran seven plays from Washington's 10-yard line or closer and ended up settling for a field goal on their eighth snap.
The sequence was ugly enough for Nabers to end his film review early.
"I went to look at it a little bit, got frustrated again, turned it off," he said. "Sick to my stomach."
In the aftermath, reporters understandably wondered whether veteran quarterback Russell Wilson's days were numbered, asking Daboll if he might replace Wilson with rookie Jaxson Dart in Week 2. After declining to deliver a definitive response Sunday, Daboll announced on Monday that he was sticking with Wilson.
That doesn't mean Wilson's job is safe. If the Giants struggle again, the questions -- and pressure to make a change -- will follow.
Their next opportunity to turn things around comes against another NFC East rival: the Dallas Cowboys, hosts of their Week 2 meeting.
Perhaps Nabers will keep his emotions in check while under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium. On-field success sure would help with that Sunday.
