By his third NFL game, Malik Nabers had already made a significant impact on the New York Giants’ offense, proving to be more than just a receiver against the Cleveland Browns.

The rookie wideout not only caught passes but also recorded two rushing attempts and executed a direct snap near the goal line, resulting in his first professional pass attempt, which he smartly threw away.

It’s clear: Nabers is the focal point of the Giants’ offense. Apart from the impressive number of targets he’ll receive in the passing game, head coach Brian Daboll plans to maximize the 21-year-old’s involvement in every play, with their next challenge against the Dallas Cowboys upcoming on Thursday.

“We target him quite often because he has earned that right,” said Daboll on Monday.

After showcasing his quarterback skills, Nabers returned to his main role as a receiver, executing a corner route aimed at the back-left pylon. Quarterback Daniel Jones delivered the throw, and Nabers leaped with remarkable agility, spinning counterclockwise to make the catch while keeping his right foot in bounds before his body went out of play.

“I didn’t want to fall backwards, so I focused on keeping my body moving, and my feet followed,” Nabers explained after the Giants secured their first win of the season with a 21-15 score against the Browns. “I realized I had some extra space, so I aimed for two feet in bounds.”

Don’t overlook his potential as a passer, though.

“Check the film from LSU,” Nabers asserted. “I have throwing ability.”

The Giants, who were considered potential candidates to draft Jones’ successor at the top of the 2024 draft, ultimately chose Nabers sixth overall thanks to highlights like that touchdown catch, along with an earlier one in the same drive where he made an incredible 28-yard reception against Browns’ cornerback Martin Emerson Jr.

“Those were solid catches, but I’ve made even better ones,” Nabers commented. “I play the way I do without being surprised by it.”

Nabers made history by scoring his second touchdown against the Browns right before halftime, becoming the youngest wide receiver (21 years and 56 days old) in NFL history to achieve two touchdown receptions in a single game, overtaking Mike Evans’ previous record.

What impressed Daboll most during Sunday’s game was not one of Nabers’ catches, but his quick thinking to avert a potential disaster. After Jones’ arm was hit while attempting a pass, the ball was deflected into the air, and Nabers dashed to knock it down, preventing a Cleveland touchdown.

“That play spoke volumes about Malik’s character,” said Daboll. “People notice the touchdowns, but his selfless and smart play was vital in that moment.”

Nabers’ performance has been remarkable. He became the first NFL player to make more than 20 receptions (23) and score three touchdowns across his first three games, amassing 271 receiving yards. He currently leads the league with six catches over 20 yards this season, showcasing both his route-running and ability to gain yards after the catch.

With 37 total targets – 30 of which occurred in the last two games, including 18 in a Week 2 loss to the Washington Commanders – he’s far ahead of his Giants teammates in that category. Nabers also ranks second in the NFL with a 37.8% target share and represents 56% of the Giants’ air yards this season, as noted by Next Gen Stats.

“You have to recognize how the game unfolds,” said assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. “But it’s crucial to position your best players in places where they can succeed.”

Nabers is on pace to surpass Marvin Harrison’s record of targets during a single season (205), which was set back in 2002 when Peyton Manning was the quarterback in a 16-game season.

Thus far in the season, Jones has good reasons to keep passing Nabers the ball. Against man coverage, he has tallied 12 catches and 175 receiving yards. When faced with press coverage, Nabers leads the league in several categories, including target per route run rate (40%), first-down per route run rate (23%), and yards per route run (4.47).

“Whenever he’s in a one-on-one situation, he’s consistently made explosive plays for us,” Jones acknowledged last week. “He’s been a significant asset for our team so far.”

The one moment of disappointment in Nabers’ early career came late in a tied game against Washington when a crucial fourth-down pass slipped through his hands. Despite the setback, Jones emphasized that without Nabers’ contributions, they wouldn’t have been in a position to compete in that game.

“He’s a fierce competitor and sets high expectations for himself,” Jones stated. “You quickly realize that when you spend time with him.”

Following that drop – which occurred during a game where he made ten catches, including his first career touchdown – Nabers bounced back strong against Cleveland. He now prepares for a highly anticipated matchup against Dallas, where additional excitement awaits.

During the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event in May, Nabers expressed eagerness to face Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs. The friendly rivalry took a turn as they exchanged subtle jabs on social media.