New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks has the physical tools needed to be one of the most dominant wideouts in the NFL. He’s big, strong, has massive hands and is a good route runner. In past seasons, injuries have been an issue. This year, Nicks can’t stop dropping the ball.
The Giants got their first win of the season against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, but it was not pretty. Nicks dropped a number of passes and finished with just 28 yards on two catches, despite being targeted 10 times. He has been targeted 18 times in the past two games and has only six receptions to show for it. On Wednesday, Tom Coughlin acknowledged that Nicks has been inconsistent.
“You’ve got to get to the point where the reliability factor is there as strongly as it always has been,” Coughlin said, per Ralph Vacchiano of the NY Daily News. “Has it been there up to this point? No. But we’re saying ‘Let’s get back to work and get this done.’ We count on this guy.”
Coughlin also added that he does not believe Nicks has been distracted by his impending free agency, noting that there is really no excuse for his three drops against the Vikings.
“The competitor that he is, he’s very much aware,” Coughlin said. “And quite frankly he’s always gobbled those balls up. So explanation? I wouldn’t offer an excuse. I’m sure he wouldn’t either.”
Has Nicks been a disappointment this season? Aside from a couple of big games, he has been virtually nonexistent. But there is no real way to pinpoint the most significant issue on a 1-6 team. Eli Manning has thrown 15 interceptions, which already matches his total from 2012. The G-Men rank 31st in the NFL in rushing. Their defense has allowed more than 30 points per game. Nicks can take a number at this point.
