It's pretty obvious that after Sunday's Week 1 effort, the New York Giants locker room isn't exactly flying high. Six points and 231 yards will certainly dial up the tension. Something superstar wide receiver Malik Nabers knows all too well.
Nabers found himself between a rock and a hard place during the game. If cameras catch him smiling and having a good time on the sideline during a blowout, the media says he doesn’t care. If he looks upset and throws a towel over his head, he’s labeled selfish for reacting to not getting the ball. Granted, his first-half sideline blow-up with head coach Brian Daboll didn't help his case, but it's the perfect case of "you know what happens when you assume."
Still, it's clearly a lose-lose situation, but Nabers cleared it up in the only way that could punch through the noise. On Wednesday, the 22-year-old told the media he has “NBF” — Natural B*tch Face — and wasn’t mad about his usage (or lack thereof). He even pointed out he had twelve targets, so arguing about not getting the ball makes no sense. The offense still needs to find its rhythm, but at least we all know what his face means now.
The Giants offense needs to get Malik Nabers the football
Nabers caught five of his 12 targets for 71 yards. Russell Wilson didn't exactly give him the most accurate passes to work with, but seven misfires is not a great look.
Regardless, this offense will only go as far as Nabers can take it, which was further confirmed with their lackluster offensive effort against the Commanders. Wilson completed 17-of-37 passes for 168 yards. The offensive line did him no favors, but even on passing plays where he wasn't pressured, he couldn't hit water while throwing off a boat.
Nabers was second in the league in targets last year with 170... and that was with him missing two games. So far, he's already on pace for 204. That's too many targets. If offensive coordinator Mike Kafka isn't careful, he could run the risk of running their star playmaker into the ground before this team can actually take advantage and utilize his talents.
For now, he’s just got “NBF.” But if this offense keeps spinning its wheels, don’t be surprised if that face turns into something a lot more justified.