In a year where the New York Giants have set all the wrong kinds of records, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers delivered a rare highlight.
During Sunday’s 34-7 loss to the Falcons, Nabers officially broke the franchise’s rookie reception record, surpassing Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley with his 92nd catch of the season. Yet, in true competitor fashion, Nabers didn’t make it about himself.
“Kudos to me,” Nabers said after the game from Jordan Raanan, “but we didn’t win.” It was a telling response from a player who has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disastrous season. While breaking a record held by two of the most celebrated Giants in recent memory is no small feat, Nabers made it clear that individual milestones mean little when the team is struggling to even stay competitive.
Malik Nabers on passing Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley to set the Giants rookie record for catches in a season.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) December 22, 2024
“Kudos to me but … we didn’t win.” pic.twitter.com/uhZe63qObz
The loss to Atlanta marked the Giants’ 10th straight defeat, extending the longest losing streak in franchise history. And despite Nabers’ historic performance, the narrative remains dominated by the team’s inability to get anything going offensively—or defensively, for that matter.
Malik Nabers’ historic rookie season is drowned out by Giants’ incompetence
Nabers’ achievement should have been a cause for celebration. The rookie’s consistency has been one of the only signs of hope in a season defined by dysfunction.
He now sits at 97 receptions with two games left to play, putting some distance between himself and the 91-catch mark set by Beckham in 2014 and later tied by Barkley in 2018. Yet, the historical significance of his performance has been overshadowed by the Giants’ failures.
What makes Nabers’ season even more impressive is the chaos surrounding him. The team has cycled through quarterbacks like a broken turnstile, offering him little stability at the position.
Drew Lock’s performance on Sunday—a pair of pick-sixes and yet another fumble—was emblematic of the revolving door of mediocrity at QB. And yet, Nabers continues to deliver, quietly making history in an otherwise lifeless offense.
His response to the record speaks volumes about his character. While some players might have taken a victory lap, Nabers was quick to shift the focus back to the team’s struggles. To paraphrase, he essentially said, “It’s cool, but I’d rather win.”
That attitude should inspire some confidence, even in a season where confidence is hard to come by.
With two games left, Nabers has a chance to further solidify his place in the franchise’s record books. But for him, it’s not about the stats—it’s about finding a way to turn things around. If the Giants can figure out how to rebuild around him, they might finally have something to look forward to.