Malik Nabers is giving off Travis Kelce vibes to a coach who has seen them both at their most fiery.
As Nabers was yelling toward the sideline last game about wanting more second-half targets than the three he received in the Giants offense as – in his eyes – a way to help jumpstart the offense, Nagy was reminded of his nine seasons as quarterbacks coach or offensive coordinator with the Chiefs.
“I was around a very similar player talent-wise and person-wise in Travis Kelce,” Nagy said before Thursday’s practice. “He was a guy who wanted the ball a lot, and he had great ways on how to let you know how to do it.”
Nagy wasn’t calling plays – that was head coach Andy Reid’s responsibility – and was on the sideline for the Chiefs. He is calling plays from the booth for the Giants.
Head coach John Harbaugh actually relayed through the headset that Nabers wanted more targets, as seen on NFL Films.
“I do really like it as long as it’s done the right way,” Nagy said. “Malik is without a doubt one of the most talented players – not just receivers – I’ve ever been around. On top of that, he’s probably one of the most competitive. You morph those together and you have somebody that sometimes that may happen.
“Don’t ever take that away from a player. You are crazy if you take that away from somebody. Don’t ever try to not get him the football.”
Nabers grew used to demanding the ball – and even implementing plays – under former head coach and play-caller Brian Daboll.
Nagy is trying to afford him some of the same input, especially when it comes to halftime adjustments.
“We want to make sure that it’s constructive and not destructive in how that happens,” Nagy said. “He’s still young, and we’re still going through that process. I’ve got thick skin. I can handle it. But we just want to make sure it’s for us, and it doesn’t cross a line.”
Nabers is coming off his first 100-yard game and first touchdown since returning from last year’s knee surgery, but tight end Isaiah Likely had 12 targets to Nabers’ seven (six catches).
“We had a great conversation on Tuesday,” Nagy said. “He’s in a great spot. We definitely want to get him the ball A LOT.”
