Sometimes a bit of drama is needed to kickstart a breakout. No, the New York Giants probably weren't thrilled when Malik Nabers complained about his targets after putting up 112 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Arizona Cardinals. But maybe they should honor his request for more involvement in their Week 5 matchup with the Washington Commanders.
After the Week 4 win, Nabers told reporters that he felt the ball should have been thrown his way more often, especially in the second half.
""I felt like I didn't get targeted much after halftime. So, that was just a thing. It's just ... I felt like creating explosives down the field was just helping us get in a better position to score touchdowns. Some of those plays didn't come my way, so just trying to figure out why.""Malik Nabers on his targets in Week 4
This drama needs to be nipped in the bud, but first, Nabers should get the targets he's asking for in Week 5. It might just be the key to earning the Giants another win in the division.
Malik Nabers should be Giants' focal point against Commanders
It makes sense that Nabers felt like he didn't get enough targets. After all, he set the franchise record for targets as a rookie. Matt Nagy and the Giants can dip back into that strategy when they travel to Washington on Sunday.
The Commanders' cornerbacks have struggled to keep up with top receivers this season. CeeDee Lamb put up 153 yards on them, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 128. When teams have focused their targets on their best receiver, the Commanders haven't had answers.
Mike Sainristil has Commanders fans calling for him to be replaced, and Trey Amos is working his way back from an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for the first month of the season. Unless Rasul Douglas is going to turn back the clock at 31 years old, Washington doesn't have an answer for Nabers.
The Giants don't need to spread their targets between many receivers. With Braxton Berrios now set to miss the rest of the season, they only have four receivers on the active roster. Nabers and Isaiah Likely should be getting most of the work, while Malachi Fields and Darnell Mooney play supplemental roles.
Every time Nabers gets a one-on-one opportunity, the Giants should be looking his way. John Harbaugh can deal with the drama later. For now, it's time to feed the third-year receiver.
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