EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — After the New York Giants’ disappointing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, rookie receiver Malik Nabers acknowledged that labeling the team as “soft” was an unwise choice, although he remains committed to voicing his opinions when necessary.

Engaging with head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, as well as reviewing footage from the Giants’ 30-7 defeat, Nabers reflected on his previous comments and admitted that “soft” was not the right term to describe the performance.

“I don’t think it was really soft. I think it was just a lack of technique,” he clarified. “We were giving it our all, but we simply didn’t execute properly.”

During the game, the Giants (2-9) found themselves trailing 23-0 by halftime, having only managed 19 offensive plays. Although Nabers was not targeted in the first half, he still ended the match with a team-high total of six receptions for 64 yards.

The sixth overall selection in this year’s NFL draft, Nabers explained that his post-game remarks, in which he defended the quarterbacks and addressed the team’s overall struggles, were fueled by his competitive nature. “That’s just how I’m wired. That’s just who I am,” he said. “I just don’t like losing. If I feel like I can contribute to a victory, I won’t hold back on expressing that.”

Nabers admitted that not being involved early in the game affected him, as he thrives on the momentum of being engaged in the action. “You’re not getting involved early, then you’re not getting the feel of the ball, you’re not getting hit,” he explained. “After football plays as an offense, after you get hit, you’re like, ‘All right, I’m ready to go.’”

With 67 catches so far, Nabers leads the team and has set the record for the most receptions by a player in their first nine NFL games. He sees himself as a valuable asset who can significantly influence the game for the Giants.

“I’m not going to just sit back just because I’m a younger guy and not express how I feel,” he affirmed. “They want me to speak up. They believe my energy can help make the offense more explosive. So, of course, I’m going to voice my opinion if things aren’t going right. That’s just how I am.”