New York Giants rookie huge receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) won’t play on this Sunday night time’s recreation towards the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium.
Earlier than Nabers went down late within the Giants’ Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, he was getting the lion’s share of the targets within the passing recreation (52 of 144, or 36 p.c of the staff’s targets).
This yr, the Giants had been taking full benefit of Nabers’ presence, throwing on 61 p.c of their offensive performs.
Final week, with Nabers sidelined, the Giants didn’t throw as a lot. They ran the ball 34 instances and quarterback Daniel Jones took to the air 34 instances.
Right here’s who Jones threw to:
- Darius Slayton: 11 targets, 8 receptions, 122 yards, 1 landing
- Wan’Dale Robinson: 9 targets, 6 receptions, 36 yards, 1 landing
- Theo Johnson: 5 targets, 5 receptions, 48 yards
- Eric Grey: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 50 yards
- Tyrone Tracy Jr: 1 reception for two yards on 2 targets
Right here’s who didn’t get focused:
- Vast receivers Jalin Hyatt (48 snaps) and Isaiah Hodgins (25 snaps).
- Tight ends Chris Manhertz (19 snaps) and Daniel Bellinger (14 snaps)
- Operating again Dante Miller (1 snap)
Nabers had been a crutch of kinds for Jones, however final week he reverted again to throwing to his favourite goal, Slayton. Robinson continued to supply strong assist beneath however there was some encouraging indicators of life from some others.
Johnson displayed his capacity to get separation and get some yards after the catch. Grey lastly obtained an opportunity to strut his stuff as a receiver as nicely.
Now, all that should occur is for the Giants to lastly get the ball in Hyatt’s arms, one thing the staff has been meaning to do for the reason that season started however has didn’t occur.
Via 5 video games, the previous third-round decide has been focused simply thrice with no receptions whereas taking part in 29.1 p.c of the offensive snaps.
Hyatt might be the massive winner on Sunday night time because the Bengals proceed to battle on protection that has allowed a mean of 417 yards and 34.3 factors per recreation over their final three.
“I believe he’s achieved a superb job of staying locked in and he’s a proficient participant. I’m excited for him to get his likelihood,” Slayton mentioned of Hyatt this week. “As any individual who’s been in his scenario earlier than and had an opportunity like this, that is what it’s all about. When it does come, it’s time to point out and I imagine he’ll.”
The Bengals have additionally allowed an NFL-high 25.3 first downs over their final three video games and are permitting opponents to transform on third down 57.8 p.c over that span.
They not often get to the quarterback with a next-to-last sack share of three.73 p.c, so Jones ought to have a clear pocket to work from a lot of the recreation.
