Malachi Fields didn't need a mountain of chances to make an impression in his first preseason action. The New York Giants gave the third-round pick three targets against the Vikings, and he made every single one of them count. Fields finished the night with three catches for 34 yards and a touchdown, earning an 88.5 PFF receiving grade in the process.
Two of those receptions came on contested catches, which makes the performance even better for a young receiver trying to carve out his place. He also posted a nearly perfect 153.5 passer rating when targeted. That's the kind of efficiency that gets looks, especially when a player is competing for snaps in a crowded position group.
More sports: Steelers QB Will Howard Deserves More Praise for Preseason Performance Crowded is certainly the word for the Giants' receiver room. Malik Nabers remains the obvious centerpiece, while several veterans are also looking for their share of the offense. Fields wasn't necessarily expected to walk into a massive workload right away, but his first outing could make that plan a little harder to stick to come this season.
At just 22 years old, Fields has time on his side. Can build on what he showed against Minnesota? Another strong performance or two could change how often he's on the field once the regular season arrives.
Sports news: Bears QB Tyson Bagent is a Player to Watch John Harbaugh's offense has established pieces, but Fields has already shown he can make something happen when the ball comes his way. The Giants don't have to rush him, but they also don't have much reason to ignore a young receiver who keeps producing. One preseason game isn't enough to predict his role for the entire season.
Still, Fields has put himself in a much better position than he was before taking the field against the Vikings.
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