Giants' Nabers downplays spat with Daboll, eyes better demeanor - ESPN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers had a conversation with coach Brian Daboll about his sideline demeanor after the two were caught on camera with an animated exchange during Sunday's 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders.

Both Nabers and Daboll said afterward that it was the result of two competitors trying to win. Nabers said he thought the energy wasn't right and the Giants were lacking. Daboll said he was trying to get him the ball.

The fiery exchange occurred after just one quarter of the season opener. Nabers said it prompted a talk with the coach afterward but added that the situation was being «blown out of proportion.»

Nabers, a Pro Bowl player as a rookie, is the Giants' top offensive playmaker and one of their biggest names. With that comes a lot of attention.

«The cameras were just on me,» Nabers said. «I have to be more conscious of that, whether it's stepping out of my box or talk to [Daboll] on the side. Just being overall aware of where I'm at.»

The sideline conversations Sunday were a biproduct of the Giants' offense looking awfully similar to when they struggled badly last season. They had just 231 total yards and didn't score a touchdown in the opener.

Nabers had five catches for 71 yards on 12 targets. His target share wasn't the problem.

«Just 12 targets and five catches. Not how I want to end the day off,» Nabers said Wednesday. «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?»

Then what was it?

«Just overall how I played,» he said. «I don't think that is why I was frustrated. Like I said, I was trying to