Odell Beckham Jr. lone bright spot for New York Giants’ offense
By Ryan Disdier
Things are bleak for the New York Giants, but rookie Odell Beckham Jr. is something for Giants’ fans to be happy about.
Fresh off of an embarrassing loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Giants’ playoff hopes appear to be essentially over. However, while the majority of the offense underwhelmed, Monday Night proved to be somewhat of a breakout performance for rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and the Giants should be happy to know they have a future star receiver for the long haul.
After making his NFL debut in week five against the Atlanta Falcons, Beckham has quickly overtaken Rueben Randle as the most reliable wide receiver for the Giants.
Beckham missed the entire preseason as well as the first four games of the regular season with a hamstring injury. Beckham would score what would end up being the game-winning touchdown in his debut against Atlanta.
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The Giants knew they had a special player when they drafted the 5-foot-11 LSU product. It is somewhat of a phenomenon, as his route running and catching abilities seem to be far more polished than most rookie wide receivers. In the four game span since his debut, Beckham has 18 receptions for 262 yards and three touchdowns, according to ESPN.com.
14 of his receptions have been for first downs, according to Bleacherreport.com. Beckham has great hands, as displayed by this video of him making insane one-handed catches prior to kickoff on Monday night.
On Monday night, we were finally able to see Beckham’s big play abilities. Beckham took a 15-yard curl from Eli Manning and turned it into a 59-yard play. Beckham showcased his big play abilities in college, as he made a litany of amazing catches. Beckham was also a dangerous punt and kick returner in college.
Beckham finished the game with 8 receptions for 158 yards. The Giants would also use Beckham as a decoy to set up a screen. The Giants faked a reverse to Beckham and they were able to spring Peyton Hillis for a nice gain. This shows that defenses are already being weary of where number 13 is at all times.
With Victor Cruz‘s season over due to a torn patellar tendon, Odell Beckham has become the playmaking wide receiver in the Giants’ receiving corps.
While Beckham had a good outing against the Colts, the impending game in Seattle will be a true test for the rookie.
Beckham and the Giants will face arguably the league’s most dangerous secondary, obviously led by Pro Bowlers Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman. A daunting task, no doubt, but Beckham seems up for the challenge.
“I am never going to back down from anyone,” Beckham said to Giants.com. “He has some experience. He is a big, athletic guy that wants to press at the line. Those are the things he does well, and you have to try and find, as few as there are, you have to try and find those weaknesses that he has.”
Obviously Sherman has more than, “some experience,” but Beckham’s confidence is a reason he is so productive as a player. That attitude is what a majority of his teammates are lacking. He has desire, he wants to be special.
With injuries continuing to diminish the Giants offense, Odell Beckham Jr. will get ample a plethora of opportunities to make scintillating plays during the final eight games of the season.