Frustrated Malik Nabers pulls vanishing act after Giants’ loss to Commanders - Giants Wire
Malik Nabers, who typically waits for the media as soon as the locker room opens, left without speaking after the New York Giants’ 24-21 loss to the Washington Commanders Thursday night at MetLife Stadium.
New York Post reporter Ryan Dunleavy noted it was the first time in three years he could remember Nabers leaving so abruptly, even though the receiver has faced the music before when frustrated.
It was a less-than-stellar performance for Nabers, who again got demonstrative on the field when things didn't go his way. He caught five passes on seven targets for 44 yards but was a near non-factor in the first half.
Late in the third quarter, after a 37-yard reception on a double move that briefly energized the offense, Nabers fumbled inside the red zone for the first time in his career. The ball was lost after Frankie Luvu forced it free at the 16-yard line, and Nabers tried unsuccessfully to sell the play as an incompletion.
On the game’s final pass from J.J. McCarthy, Nabers failed to win a contested 50-50 ball, which Rasul Douglas intercepted to clinch the defeat. Though Nabers likely didn't fully realize Douglas was coming over the top as McCarthy was pressured, the outcome left him flat on his back in stunned disappointment.
The night concluded a challenging week that included broadcast criticism of Nabers’ body language in the prior game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He has explained that his intense, raging style is simply how he approaches the game.
The Giants still lead the NFC East at 5-3-1 despite the setback.
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