# Giants couldn't stop Davante Adams

> Without Puka Nacua, Adams dominated Monday night while New York's defense failed to adjust.
- Title: Giants couldn't stop Davante Adams · NBC Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Without Puka Nacua, Adams dominated Monday night while New York's defense failed to adjust. Defensive coordinators must be ready to double-team elite…
- Keywords: davante adams, new york giants, los angeles rams, sean mcvay, john harbaugh, puka nacua, nfl, defensive coverage, pass defense, matthew stafford, sports, Giants
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/giants-failed-to-adjust-to-davante-adams
- Published: 2026-09-22T17:37:02.884+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: davante adams, new york giants, los angeles rams, sean mcvay, john harbaugh, puka nacua, nfl, defensive coverage, pass defense, matthew stafford, sports
## Adams goes off without Nacua
Davante Adams caught nine passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns Monday night with Puka Nacua sidelined. He became the Rams' clear focal point in the passing game.

> He's wide receiver one to me. He ain't a two.
## McVay praises Adams' chemistry
Coach Sean McVay credited Adams' strong connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford, built during offseason work together. He called Adams' performance special and consistent.

> I thought he made some great plays, but you could see there's a lot of trust that he and Matthew have.
## Giants made no special adjustments
When asked if the Rams did anything special to help Adams, Giants coach John Harbaugh said no. He claimed they tried many things but offered no specifics.

> They didn't do anything special. He just made plays.
## No double coverage strategy
The Giants didn't double Adams or rotate safeties toward him despite his dominance. They also didn't assign cornerback Greg Newsome II to shadow him throughout the game.
## Other Rams receivers stayed quiet
Tutu Atwell caught one pass for 19 yards and Konata Mumpfield caught one for 12 yards. The Rams got very little production from receivers other than Adams.
## Giants' defensive mistake exposed
By not taking Adams away, the Giants left themselves vulnerable. Doubling him might have opened opportunities for tight ends, but the Rams barely used them.
## Broncos will likely adjust
The Broncos face the Rams next Sunday and will presumably learn from the Giants' mistake. They're expected to have a defensive plan ready for Adams.
## Key takeaway

Defensive coordinators must be ready to double-team elite receivers when supporting cast is depleted, or they'll pay the price.