Malik Nabers Sets Rookie Record for First Three NFL Games

CLEVELAND — In an impressive debut, New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers etched his name into the NFL record books by becoming the first player in league history to achieve 20 receptions and three receiving touchdowns in their first three games, as reported by ESPN Research.

During the Giants’ 21-15 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Nabers had a standout performance, snagging eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns. At just 21 years and 54 days old, he also made history as the youngest wide receiver ever to score multiple touchdowns in a single game, breaking the previous record held by Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Mike Evans, who accomplished this feat at 21 years and 73 days.

“The kid’s special,” remarked Giants outside linebacker Brian Burns. “He’s showing you week in and week out he’s special.”

With this performance, Nabers has amassed 23 catches for 271 yards alongside three touchdowns this season. His exceptional skills were on full display late in the first half when he made a remarkable play, effectively snatching the ball from the grasp of cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. for a 28-yard gain along the left sideline. What appeared to be a potential interception turned into a crucial offensive change.

Nabers continued to impress on the same drive by executing a dazzling leaping catch in the back corner of the end zone, demonstrating impressive body control to secure both feet inbounds. He capped off his record-setting day with another touchdown grab just before halftime.

“It’s just hard work,” Nabers explained. “Coach Brian Daboll has been cooking up a lot of plays for me. The offense trusts me to get the job done. They’re putting a lot of targets on my back, which reflects our goal of being an explosive offense. I’m just a key factor in that offense.”

Despite experiencing a challenging moment the previous week, when he dropped a potential game-winning pass in a loss against the Washington Commanders, Nabers has moved past it and continued to shine. That mistake lingered in his mind throughout the week.

“It’s still bothering me,” he confessed. “It’s a badge I have to wear. I’m not going to forget it; it crosses my mind every day, especially when I speak with [Commanders quarterback and former LSU teammate] Jayden [Daniels].”

Nabers has quickly established himself as a key player for the Giants. The team has integrated him as the focal point of their offense, with Nabers averaging over 12 targets per game.

This strategy has yielded impressive results. He recorded at least 60 yards receiving in each of his first three professional games, placing him among the ranks of legendary rookies. His 23 receptions tie for the second-most ever for a rookie in their first three games, alongside Anquan Boldin of Arizona, and trailing only Puka Nakua of the Los Angeles Rams.

The Giants’ coaching staff is not surprised by Nabers’ rapid ascent. Quarterback Daniel Jones indicated his trust in Nabers’ capabilities, stating, “He’s played really well to start, and it hasn’t surprised us watching him in training camp. He’s made a lot of big plays for us, and I have a lot of trust in him going up and getting the ball.”

Interestingly, coach Daboll’s admiration for Nabers isn’t limited to his eye-catching catches. He was particularly impressed with Nabers’ decision-making during an early fourth-quarter play where he redirected a pass after Jones’ arm was hit, preventing a possible interception that could have shifted the momentum of the game.

“That play speaks volumes about Malik,” Daboll said. “Everyone notices the touchdowns, but that unselfish, smart play was huge.”

Nabers is not just making waves within the Giants; he is also gaining notice from opposing players. The Browns’ defense has acknowledged the burgeoning threat he poses on the field. Emerson commented, “Tape doesn’t lie. Everything we saw was pretty much accurate.”

In the first half, the Browns struggled to contain Nabers, who and Jones connected successfully on all six of their attempts for 66 yards and two touchdowns. This partnership echoes their previous week in Washington, where Nabers recorded 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown.

Though he is achieving records, Nabers expected himself to perform at a high level early in his career. “I had high expectations,” he stated. “But I feel my dog mentality is really showing every time I’m on the field.”