Cleveland, OH — One strategy worked like magic for the New York Giants on Sunday: throw the ball anywhere close to rookie wide-out Malik Nabers and let him go to work after that.
The rookie wide receiver hauled in two touchdown passes from quarterback Daniel Jones, made an impressive sideline catch over a defender, and even prevented a potential interception as the Giants secured a 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns, marking their first win of the season.
Jones and Nabers connected twice in the first half, helping the Giants (1-2) build a 21-7 lead before they had to fight hard to maintain it.
“I trust him completely to go up and get the ball,” said Jones, who completed 24 of 34 passes for 236 yards. This victory came after a week of heavy criticism following a loss to Washington.
But it was a sloppy second half for the G-Men and they almost gave the game away.
Despite injuries to three offensive linemen, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson nearly brought Cleveland (1-2) back into the game. The Browns had three opportunities to take the lead in the fourth quarter, but the Giants forced a fumble and made two key stops on fourth down.
The Giants weren’t without mistakes. They fumbled the opening kickoff, giving Cleveland a 7-0 lead within 11 seconds. Newly signed kicker Greg Joseph also missed a 48-yard field goal that could have sealed the win.
“Just another day in the NFL,” coach Brian Daboll said with a straight face.
Nabers made it presence known in the first half completely running pass defensive backs and able to anchored down in the open space of the field.
The first-round pick was one of the few bright spots for the Giants through their first two games. He shined again with eight catches for 78 yards, including a spectacular touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone.
At just 21 years and 56 days old, Nabers became the youngest receiver in NFL history to record two touchdown receptions in a game.
“He told me, ‘It’s either you or nobody,’” Nabers said, recalling Jones’ instructions on his targets.
Late in the first half, Nabers outmaneuvered Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. for a 28-yard catch.
“That was an incredible catch,” Daboll praised. “With a player like that, you don’t worry about matchups. You trust he’s going to make a play.”
A few plays later, Nabers caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Jones with a leaping, twisting grab in the end zone.
When asked if he knew he had the catch all along, Nabers grinned. “I saw it coming and thought, why not?”
While his catches were remarkable, Daboll pointed to a different play as Nabers’ most significant contribution: breaking up a near-interception on an ill-advised pass by Jones deep in Giants territory.
“His awareness to knock that ball down was huge,” Daboll said. “Everyone sees the touchdowns, but it’s those smart, unselfish plays that matter most.”
The Giants’ defensive front also made its mark, sacking Watson eight times as Cleveland struggled at home for the second time in three weeks. The Browns also dealt with major injuries.
Starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee) and right guard Wyatt Teller (knee) were both injured, along with backup tackle James Hudson III, forcing coach Kevin Stefanski to reshuffle the offensive line. Watson finished 21 of 37 for 196 yards and two touchdowns.
Adding to Cleveland’s concerns, All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett appeared to aggravate existing foot injuries. He was scheduled for an MRI on Monday, and any significant issue could derail the Browns’ season.
“There’s a lot going on,” Garrett said about his injuries. “But no excuses. Excuses don’t win games.”
Apart from the opening kickoff fumble, the Giants controlled the first half.
Jones was sharp, completing 17 of 19 passes, including 12 straight at one point.
New York’s defense kept the pressure on Watson, sacking him four times. Brian Burns forced a fumble late in the half, setting up Jones’ second touchdown pass to Nabers just before halftime, giving the Giants a 21-7 lead.
The Browns managed to score a touchdown and converted the two-point conversion but it was just a little too late.
Up Next:
Giants: Plays Dallas on Thursday night at MetLife.
Browns: At Las Vegas on Sunday.
