New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers had a breakout performance in Week 2.
Despite the brutal 21-18 loss to the Washington Commanders, Nabers still managed to put up 127 yards and his first career touchdown. But that didn't stop him from taking responsibility for a crucial moment.
"I'm hurt that I let the veterans down, they know what kind of player I am," Nabers told reporters post-game in the locker room. "I know what kind of confidence they have in me. The main motto that's in my head is 'don't let my team down,' and I let my team down."
Nabers was referring to a key fourth down conversion late in the fourth quarter where a near perfect throw by quarterback Daniel Jones slipped off his fingertips and resulted in a turnover on downs. Washington would drive down the field and score the walk-off game-winning field goal.
To be fair, the fate of the game didn't necessarily fall entirely on Nabers' hands.
New York lost its kicker, Graham Gano, to a hamstring injury on the opening kickoff — meaning it wasn't able to execute a traditional game plan for field goals or extra point attempts.
If Gano doesn't get injured (and he can't be blamed for that either) then New York probably has eight more points on its side of the scoreboard going into that final drive.
Punter Jamie Gillan, who filled in for Gano on kicking duties, missed an extra point attempt after New York's first touchdown. That forced head coach Brian Daboll to utilize two-point conversions going forward (New York would fail to convert one on its second touchdown).
New York also wouldn't have had to face the two fourth down conversions — of which it failed on both — and instead it could have kicked two field goals.
So, while it's admirable Nabers wanted to take ownership of a grab he frankly should've had, the moment cannot weigh that heavily after the fantastic abilities he did display on Sunday.
