With Daniel Jones no longer the starting quarterback in New York, the Giants came into Week 12 hoping Tommy DeVito could help revive a struggling offense.
With DeVito under center, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers had a potential opportunity to get more involved in the Giants game plan after his standout start to the 2024 season cooled off a bit.
With DeVito, however, Nabers wasnt called upon at all in the first half against the Buccaneers in Week 12. New York fell 30-7 in the game, and while Nabers finished with some solid numbers, he remained uninvolved in his teams offense early.
Heres how the wide receiver performed against the Buccaneers after a slow start.
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Did Malik Nabers play today?
Although Nabers came into Sundays game with some injury concerns, he was healthy and active against Tampa Bay in Week 12.
The rookie picked up a DNP in Fridays practice, then being listed as questionable through the weekend. New York officially cleared Nabers to play before Sundays matchup, but he remained uninvolved in the teams offense throughout the opening two quarters.
That changed in the third quarter, as the team made sure to get Nabers involved immediately after halftime.
Prior to halftime, however, DeVito had targeted just three different Giants players (Theo Johnson, WanDale Robinson, Eric Gray) as the Buccaneers took a 23-0 lead into the break.
Nabers picked up some quick catches in the third quarter Sunday, then putting together a solid stat line in the late quarters after his slow start.
After the Giants lost their sixth consecutive game, Nabers said the teams struggles arent due to its quarterback play, and that hes tired of losing.
Head coach Brian Daboll spoke to Nabers following those comments. Daboll admitted he needs to do a better job getting Nabers the ball earlier in games.
Malik Nabers stats vs. Buccaneers
Nabers didnt log a single target from DeVito in the first half vs. Tampa Bay. The Giants quarterback threw just five passes, completing three of them for 31 yards.
That changed coming out of halftime. Nabers and DeVito hooked up on the teams first three pass attempts in the third quarter. With those plays, the Giants made it clear they wanted to get Nabers involved after a slow start.
Given Nabers standout talent, and the fact that he entered Sunday ranking fourth in the league in targets (94), it was clear he wouldnt be held without a catch for long. Although the Giants fell in a blowout loss, Nabers managed to grab six passes for 64 yards.
