Why the chemistry of Russell Wilson and Malik Nabers is critical for the Giants' offense
Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers and quarterback Russell Wilson celebrate after a touchdown during training camp in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 25. Credit: Ed Murray
On Friday during training camp, fans got treated to what has been a common occurrence: Russell Wilson throwing one of his moon balls to Malik Nabers for a touchdown.
This one came with some flair. After Nabers shook free from cornerback Paulson Adebo and caught the deep pass, Adebo tackled him and Nabers’ momentum had him rolling out of the end zone. He got up and danced while waiting for teammates to swarm him.
It’s a sight that has fans excited through two weeks. And how can you blame them after they watched six different quarterbacks take snaps during the last two seasons? But it makes clear what’s been obvious.
For the Giants’ offense to be more explosive, it starts with the Wilson-Nabers connection. If Nabers can have more moments like that, it’ll prove that Wilson is doing more than just bringing leadership and experience.
Let’s review last season’s gruesome video. The Giants were tied with the Patriots for the fewest pass plays of at least 20 yards with 34.
Wilson had 40 in Pittsburgh despite missing six games. He also had six passes that went at least 40 yards. The Giants? Only four.
It’s a point of emphasis in camp, although coach Brian Daboll was pretty on-brand with a vague answer about it.
“We’re working on them every way we can to create some explosives because it’s a huge indicator of wins and losses, both on the offensive side and then preventing them on the defensive side,” he said Thursday.
The track record, though, suggests Daboll’s schemes haven’t worked and/or the personnel couldn’t deliver. The Giants had only 44 passing plays of at least 20 yards in 2023, ranking 25th of 32 teams. In 2022, Daboll’s first season and one in which they won a playoff game, they had a league-worst 28.
Blame Daniel Jones all you want, and he earned it. But he’s gone now. That’s why Wilson’s here, to add some fireworks and expand the offense.
Each downfield throw in 11-on-11 drills has drawn oohs and aahs from the crowds. Wan’Dale Robinson has had maybe the best highlight, catching a deep pass that was tipped after falling down and lying flat on his back on Saturday.
The throws that matter, though, have gone toward Nabers. Plays like what fans saw on Friday can help him go from one of the NFL’s best young receivers to one of the best period.
Nabers had only one catch of more than 30 yards in his first 15 games last season but had four in the final two games. Great receivers don’t just get a lot of targets, they put pressure on the secondary by being deep threats or threats to get to the end zone. At the same time, they’re players who can lift the tide for everyone else.
Want Robinson or Darius Slayton to get more downfield opportunities? It’s about Wilson’s and Nabers’ potential for long plays opening up chances for them.
Can Jalin Hyatt break out in Year 3? It’ll help if Nabers attracts more attention to free him up.
Even Wilson appreciated what the union could be like after they linked up for multiple touchdowns on the first day of camp.
“I think there’s going to be more to him and we’re going to keep developing,” Wilson said of Nabers. “Obviously, we’re just getting started and just kind of warming up and getting hot, but we’re excited to work together.”
Fans should be, too. Every time Wilson throws a pass to Nabers in camp or Nabers gets free for a big play, it raises the level of hope that they can re-create it when it counts.
The Giants hope so, too. They didn’t sign Wilson to just get more wins or be a bridge to Jaxson Dart. They expect him to charge up this offense and make it more exciting.
That’s where he and Nabers come in. It’s fun watching their chemistry produce catches and highlight plays. But as fans cheer, it reminds observers how critical that chemistry is for Daboll to finally have the dynamic offense that’s been missing in his tenure.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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