Giants Sack Watson Eight Times, Nabers Shines in First Win

CLEVELAND — The New York Giants, known for their consistent defensive front, flipped the script on Sunday, employing a heavy blitz package to dismantle the Cleveland Browns, 21-15, at Huntington Bank Field. The Giants, who entered the game winless, sacked Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson eight times, a testament to their aggressive game plan.

“I mean, they switched up the game plan,” Watson said after the game, “They were blitzing a lot, which they don’t normally do.”

Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, known for his preference to rely on his four defensive linemen, made a strategic adjustment, sending pressure up the middle where Dexter Lawrence proved to be a dominant force, recording two sacks on the day.

The Giants’ defensive pressure was relentless, with nine different players recording a sack. Rookie cornerback Dru Phillips, who had been a standout on defense before exiting in the first quarter with a calf injury, proved to be a valuable asset before his departure.

With the Browns offense struggling to find its rhythm, the Giants’ offense found its stride, especially rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers continued his stellar start to his NFL career, becoming the first player in league history with 20 receptions and three touchdowns in his first three games.

“Just hard work,” Nabers said about his success. “Dabes [coach Brian Daboll] cooking up a lot of plays for me, the offense trusting me to get that done. It shows how much we want to be an explosive offense and I’m a key factor in that offense.”

The Giants, however, were not without their own injury concerns. Linebacker Micah McFadden (back) and wide receiver Darius Slayton (thumb) were forced out in the second half, while starting cornerback Nick McCloud (knee) was unavailable for the second consecutive game.

Despite the injuries, the Giants emerged victorious, showcasing their resilience and adaptability on both sides of the ball. This win marks a significant turning point for the Giants, as they look to build momentum for the rest of the season.

**Meta Description:** The Giants secure their first win of the season with a dominant defensive performance, sacking Deshaun Watson eight times, while rookie Malik Nabers shines on offense.