When the games matter, tensions run high. For a team like the New York Giants, tensions are going to run even higher, because it really feels like jobs are on the line this year.
Not only that, but the Giants are going up against a division rival in Week 1.
It's understandable, especially as the Giants trailed and struggled to get going offensively in the first half, that there would be a little bit of tempers flaring. It only took one half of struggling for Giants and head coach Brian Daboll and star receiver Malik Nabers to get into it on the sideline.
Giants HC Brian Daboll gets into it with Malik Nabers on the sideline
Brian Daboll & Malik Nabers discussing something pic.twitter.com/g4aEMp7YKv
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) September 7, 2025
To say the Giants struggled through the first half (and change) would be a massive understatement. The offensive operation couldn't get going against Dan Quinn's Commanders as Russell Wilson completed just nine of his first 16 passes with a couple of sacks.
The Giants obviously tried to get Nabers involved in the first half of the game with six targets, but he only came down with three catches for 34 yards. Whatever Daboll said to Nabers pushed the wrong button and he tried to make up for it shortly thereafter.
It's tough to break in a new starting quarterback for any team, especially going up against an operation like Dan Quinn's, which can bring pressure from a variety of angles. Especially when you have a chance to start well, the last thing you want to do is to be having consistent struggles on the offensive side of the ball.
This is obviously a pivotal year for the Giants. The major change at quarterback in the offseason was somewhat of a signal that this team is perhaps gearing up for wholesale changes after the season at GM and head coach. There's been proof of concept in the past that Daboll is capable of leading this team where they want to go, but the way they've faltered in recent years has been frustrating.
It's especially frustrating when Daniel Jones goes to the Indianapolis Colts and starts lighting it up in Week 1. The Giants clearly have an issue and when a player claps back at a coach like this, it's not the greatest sign. That happens in the heat of the moment during games, but it's something to monitor as the rest of the season carries along. Daboll has to be careful or he could quickly lose his locker room.