Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who played alongside New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers at LSU, is the target of some light-hearted trash talk during training camp this week.
Speaking with Kay Adams at Giants practice, Nabers smiled when asked about facing Daniels and the Commanders in the regular season opener on September 7.
âImma get you back,â Nabers said. The warning was clearly in jest, but it highlighted how personal Week 1 already feels for two of the leagueâs most exciting second-year superstars.
Friends, Former Teammates, Opponents in Week 1
Daniels and Nabers were electric together in Baton Rouge. In 2023, Daniels won the Heisman Trophy after throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns, with Nabers accounting for 1,569 of those yards and 14 scores. Their chemistry helped elevate LSUâs offense into one of the most explosive units in the country.
Now, theyâll be on opposite sidelines when the Commanders host at Northwest Stadium.
Nabers is expected to lead a retooled Giants offense that struggled to generate separation or big plays last season. Daniels, meanwhile, is heading into Year 2 with a ton of steam after a remarkable rookie season in D.C.
Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury have continued to build around the young franchise arm.
What to Expect in Commanders vs. Giants
This game is more than just a reunion. Itâs a tone-setter in the NFC East between two squads who know each other well â and know they can contend.
The Giants are trying to rebound from a porous season in which they were bereft of QB talent. Nabers is viewed as a critical piece in giving Russell Wilson or rookie Jaxson Dart a reliable, dynamic playmaker.
Washington is confident with Daniels at the helm, coupled with a revamped defense under Quinn. Commanders defenders have dominated camp so far, especially in press coverage, which could test Nabers right away.
Still, all eyes will be on the former LSU stars. Daniels will be the one trying to avoid pressure. Nabers will be the one trying to create it â through separation, big plays, and a possible end zone visit.
Despite the shared history, Nabers made it clear that friendship will take a backseat once the ball is kicked off.
âCan you tell me what that looks like?â Adams asked Nabers.
âIf you ever see two brothers, head-to-head over a basketball game, last point of the game to win,â Nabers said.
Nabers has earned the clear-cut WR1 role in The Big Apple. The Giants spent much of the offseason looking to add explosiveness, and Nabers is what theyâve built around. Through the first full week of camp, heâs made contested catches, created separation, and shown the same top-end burst on routes. He hasnât missed a beat.
Daniels, on the other side, is locked in for the Commanders after leading them to the NFC championship in his rookie year. Heâs certainly won more than Nabers thus far, but itâs still early in their respective careers. The Commanders have leaned into Danielsâ mobility and deep ball in every game. While the offense is still coming together, the command has stood out.
The added motivation of Daniels facing Nabers â and a Giants defense thatâs looking to bounce back makes it a highly-anticipated Week 1 battle.
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