Giants' Malik Nabers, Isaiah Likely map out early support for J.J. McCarthy

Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely have spent much of the past two seasons adjusting to new quarterbacks on a weekly basis. That experience is shaping how both view the early stages of J.J. McCarthy’s time with the New York Giants.

Nabers said McCarthy has shown strong arm talent and a willingness to give receivers a chance.

“Very good arm talent, throws a great ball. He finds open guys, gives guys a shot, gives guys a chance to go make plays, and that’s what we’re going to rally around,” Nabers told reporters on Thursday.

He added that McCarthy performed well in the fourth quarter despite limited snaps with the first-team offense.

“I think he did a hell of a job of coming into the fourth quarter and giving us an opportunity to win that game. Just not being out there not too long with us, especially with the first group, not getting that many snaps, but coming in and just doing a good job of just saying, let me just find my guys,” Nabers said.

Likely believes the offense should be built around what McCarthy does well rather than forcing him into an existing structure.

“I say an offense that fits J.J., his skill set, what he’s really good at. And making him as comfortable as can to be a quarterback in a new offense for him,” Likely said. “And I feel like that’s on the skill positions, the o-line, the running backs, and the coaching staff to know that to ride behind J.J. and to get it done.”

Both players said the process of adjusting to a new quarterback starts with preparation and a willingness to simplify things for the passer.

“Get open. Just get open. They’re going to find you, and they know who their guys are. And when you talk to them, just give motivation to them,” Nabers said. “Just being QB friendly, seeing what they see, understanding the defense and how (you can) get open and just being on time with the quarterback, I think that’s just the best thing that you can do as a receiver – and catch the ball.”

Likely said the work happens both on and off the field.

“I feel like that’s stuff that you hit off the field as well. I mean, in the film room, you try to see what the quarterback’s most comfortable throwing, whether it was here or it was before. Then you get reps in practice on the type of timing that he’s obviously, that you’re trying to get used to with him as well,” he said.

Nabers and Likely both indicated that the skill players can accelerate the process by making the quarterback’s job easier from the start.