EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants’ 1-3 record roughly a quarter of the way through the season isn’t the only concern for coach Brian Daboll, and it might not even be the biggest.
The stress is probably higher when it comes to sensational rookie receiver Malik Nabers. The No. 6 overall pick in the draft left Thursday night’s 20-15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the final minutes after sustaining a concussion.
Daboll said Nabers was at the Giants headquarters on Friday and was in the concussion protocol. That means he cannot practice until he is cleared by New York’s medical personnel and an independent neurological consultant. He was in team meetings as the Giants went over the Dallas film.
Nabers and the Giants will have more than a week to get ready to face the Seahawks (3-0) in Seattle on Oct. 6. Seattle plays at Detroit on Sunday.
“Yeah, we’ll just take it day by day here and see where he’s at,” Daboll said Friday when asked what the offense would do if Nabers wasn’t ready for the Seattle game.
Nabers leads the Giants with 35 catches for 386 yards and three touchdowns. He caught a career-high 12 passes for 115 yards against Dallas, including a 39-yarder that was the team’s longest completion of the season. It was his second 100-yard game. The LSU product has seven catches for at least 20 yards and 19 first-down receptions, and he has been the target on 52 of Jones’ 144 pass attempts.
He has been the main component of an offense that is producing yards but not many points. Greg Joseph kicked five field goals to account for New York’s points against the Cowboys.
Despite the slow start, Daboll is optimistic. The offensive line is playing better than a year ago. The receivers are making big plays. The defense has held three opponents to 21 points or less. The sticking point is the offense, which is averaging 15 points.
“There’s games we’ve performed well in the red zone and then there’s games that we haven’t. So, the consistency factor really needs to improve,” Daboll said.
What’s working
Daniel Jones. The 27-year-old quarterback has been solid the past three games after struggling in the opener and handing the Vikings a touchdown on an interception return. He threw two picks that game.
Since then, he has hit 69 of 102 for 695 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. That pick was a last-second heave Thursday night with New York needing a TD to win.
“He’s played well,” Daboll said of Jones. ”He’s seeing the field. He’s delivered the ball where he needs to. Again, we had some opportunities to continue drives today, as well. I’m proud of how he’s performed.”
What’s not working
The run game. Facing the NFL’s worst run defense, the Giants gained only 26 yards on 24 carries. Devin Singletary had 14 carries for 24 yards and came close to losing his third fumble in as many games. Dallas challenged a “down by contact” ruling but lost. Stopping the run, though, was the difference. How bad are things? New York has rushed for 341 yards and two touchdowns in four games. Saquon Barkley has 351 yards rushing and four touchdowns in three games in his new home in Philadelphia.
Stock up
WR Wan’Dale Robinson. With opponents giving Nabers more attention each week, Robinson has emerged as Jones’ next-best option. He was targeted 14 times against Dallas and finished with a career-best 11 catches for 71 yards. He also showed a lot of fight in picking up needed yards after the catch.
Stock down
CB Deonte Banks. The 2023 first-round draft pick was supposed to be the shut-down cornerback for New York. He has consistently drawn an opponent’s top receiver. He has stayed close to Justin Jefferson of Minnesota, Amari Cooper of Cleveland and CeeDee Lamb of Dallas but he’s giving up big plays. Jefferson had a 44-yard catch in the opener. Cooper caught a 24-yard TD on the Browns’ first play and Lamb had a 55-yard TD on a catch and run Thursday night. Banks needs to start breaking up those passes.
Injuries
The biggest concern is Nabers and his concussion. Cornerbacks Dru Phillips and Adoree Jackson missed Friday night with calf injuries.
Key number
0 — The Giants have not scored a touchdown at home in two games.
What’s next
Roughly 10 days to rest, get healthy and figure things out before heading west to take on the Seahawks in Seattle.
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