Takeaways from the Giants’ 27-27 tie with the Commanders on Sunday:
1. Malik Nabers tried to buy a pass interference penalty at the end of the first half on Rasul Douglas, an effort that cost him a shot at a catch he needed to make. From the Washington 39-yard line, Jameis Winston, struggling mightily, gave his top receiver a chance in a 1-on-1 situation. Nabers and Douglas jostled for position, Nabers leaped, got both hands on the ball and failed to secure it inside the 5-yard line. Nabers then looked to the official, put his arms in the air but got no satisfaction. Nabers had a big game last week and still spoke up about wanting the ball more often. His slow start did not get in his head, because he finished with a flourish. Dealing with his emotions continues to be something to watch with this 23-year-old.
2. The run blocking is an issue. It was brutal in the first half — 26 rushing yards on 2.2 yards per attempt — and that inefficiency was a big reason why the offense had to become pass-happy after halftime. It is true that the Giants do not have breakaway running backs. They have pluggers in Cam Skattebo and Najee Harris and a bit more juice from Tyrone Tracy Jr. The offensive line made Winston’s job more difficult and that cannot continue.
3. This coaching staff has done wonders with cornerback Deonte Banks. Not so with safety Tyler Nubin. He retained his starting job, then lost it (replaced by Jason Pinnock) and regained his starting job when Pinnock went out with a concussion. Nubin has problems with the angles he takes, which showed when he whiffed on Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s 33-yard touchdown run two minutes into the game. Ar’Darius Washington replaced Nubin after that. Nubin was not the only Giants player lacking on the play, but he needed to be the last line of defense and get the runner to the ground. Based on the meritocracy John Harbaugh is running, Nubin might not be in the starting lineup next week. He was forced out in the fourth quarter with a neck injury.
