Malik Nabers is proving to be the most nonchalant guy out there. After the Giants’ unexpected Week 17 win over the Colts, he delivered a message that made his stance crystal clear.
When asked what he’d say to fans upset about the victory jeopardizing their top draft position, Nabers coolly replied, “I ain’t really got nothing to say about that.” The rookie’s response reflected a mindset focused on competing and not conceding, regardless of the stakes. However, this victory didn’t just end the Giants’ miserable 10-game losing streak.
Malik Nabers is asked about what he would tell fans that potentially wanted the Giants to lose today in order to secure draft position:
“i’ve got nothing to say about that” pic.twitter.com/gxIvwky00z
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) December 29, 2024
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On the flip side, it may have cost them a shot at drafting one of the top quarterback prospects, Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward. Yet Nabers wasn’t fazed. He celebrated the win as a moment of pride with his teammates. “It felt good to go out there with my brothers on the last home game and get a win for all the fans that came out today,” he said. And his determination hinted at a possible cultural shift within the Giants’ locker room.
Nabers was instrumental in the 45-33 victory, compiling a total of 171 receiving yards and complementing it with two touchdowns. This includes a spectacular 59-yard grab. The performance also pushed him over the 1,000-yard mark for the season, making Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr. the first rookie duo to achieve this milestone in over half a century. 1970 marked the last time this feat was accomplished. Yep! the year that also saw the Apollo 13 mission and The Beatles breaking up. The win also eliminated the Colts from playoff contention, adding an extra layer of significance.
While fans lamented slipping from the No. 1 draft spot to No. 3, players like Nabers focused on preserving the team’s culture. “You would rather your team go out there and fight for every inch than lay down,” said tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. The sentiment echoed throughout the locker room, emphasizing that tanking isn’t an option in football. At least, not for the Giants. And from the looks of it, the mindset might have stemmed from head coach Brian Daboll.
Giants’ draft position sparks debate amid Nabers’ pragmatism
NFL and NY Giants insider Wesley Steinberg suggested Daboll deflected questions about the draft implications when he asked him about the same. “Talk to Joe [Schoen], that’s his problem,” Daboll reportedly told Wesley, putting the responsibility on the Giants’ GM. While the win hinted at a cultural shift, this sharp response hinted at ongoing tension as the team faces critical decisions heading into the offseason.
The Giants’ need for a franchise quarterback is undeniable, with quarterback Daniel Jones released earlier this season. Fans now worry that falling to the third pick could derail their rebuild. But Daboll doesn’t seem worried about the long-term implications. Could this be because his own future in the franchise is under question?
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The Giants’ playoff hopes are all but dashed, and the team is now in an internal debate about leadership. Rumors are swirling about the potential firing of the HC and the GM. Despite arriving as a pair from Buffalo, insiders suggest their futures might not be tied together. President John Mara was reportedly reluctant about any change in the leadership until October. However, things have changed.
Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport suggested that Mara shall evaluate the operation once the season ends and “head coach and GM will be evaluated on their own merits.” While Mara has emphasized patience in the past, the team’s dismal season run has reignited speculation about sweeping changes in leadership.
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For now, the Giants have something to celebrate. They might have sacrificed a potential savior at quarterback, but they’re proving they won’t sacrifice their dignity. While fans might dream of top draft picks, players like Malik Nabers are building a foundation for sustained success.
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