New York Giants: Monday night more than Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Jarvis Landry

On Monday night, the New York Giants play the Miami Dolphins, and it’s a game that’s far bigger than just Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Jarvis Landry

The New York Giants travel to South Beach, FL to take on the Miami Dolphins Monday night, but all you’ve probably heard about is Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Jarvis Landry.

Last year, Beckham enjoyed a meteoric rise to superstardom, thanks largely in part to a remarkable catch. OBJ caught 91 passes for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in only 12 games. Beckham earned a trip to the Pro Bowl, where his college teammate Jarvis Landry was in attendance.

More from New York Giants

• New York Giants deliberately disrespecting Saquon Barkley at this point
• 2023 NFL Season: Saquon Barkley signs silly deal with Giants
• New York Giants make big move with star RB disgruntled
• NFL: Which Giant deserved a contract extension – Barkley or Jones?
• 5 NFL teams that will definitely disappoint fans in 2023

Landry, who was also a rookie last year, enjoyed a good first season, although it paled in comparison to Beckham’s. Still, Landry has blossomed into a superstar for Miami. He’s got a little Anquan Boldin in him, and he’s one of the most promising receivers in the AFC.

Also on Spin Zone: The 30 best draft picks of all time

Yes, OBJ and Landry have been best friends since high school. Yes, both players attended LSU. And yes, both players are succeeding in the NFL.

Their friendship has been well-documented, and both players are excited to get a chance to play against each other. Don’t be shocked if the former LSU Tigers — sorry, Rueben Randle — put on a show for the Miami crowd. The promo video for Monday night heavily features OBJ and Landry, and to the casual fan, that’s all the game is.

Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) catches a touchdown pass against the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It has the feel of a game between two siblings, but for New York, the Monday night clash is far more than just a battle between best friends. Seeing these two superstars compete against each other is going to be fun. But for the Giants, all the one-handed catches in the world won’t make a difference if the team can’t find a way to get a win.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

Getting a win is something the Giants have failed to do since their Nov. 8 game against Tampa Bay. Since then, the Giants blew an opportunity to end New England’s undefeated season, came out flat against Washington and squandered a 10-point fourth-quarter lead against the Jets.

New York is now 5-7, but if all of its games ended 90 seconds earlier, they would be 10-2. Unfortunately, playing the ‘what-if’ game isn’t making things easier for the Giants, and that’s why the team can ill-afford to come out flat against Miami.

Sep 13, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

This game isn’t just a must-win, it’s a game that could very well decide the fates of Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese.

The Giants are somehow still alive in the miserable NFC East, and it’s likely going to take a playoff berth to save Coughlin’s and Reese’s jobs, and that might even be enough, in my opinion. No one’s entirely sure about what’s gone wrong with the Giants this year, but Coughlin needs to do something drastic to get his team motivated. The game in Washington was uncharacteristic of Coughlin-coached teams. They lacked fire until the final quarter, and then it was too late.

Next: New York Giants: Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese need to go

Although Washington and Philadelphia won Sunday, the Giants are technically still in the playoff hunt. Despite the not-so-impressive condition of the NFC East, New York simply has to win in Miami, especially with daunting games against Carolina and in Minnesota on the horizon.

The Giants have to play well on offense and defense. But more importantly, they need to learn how to finish. This isn’t just a season-altering game, it’s a franchise-altering one, too. Losing in Miami would effectively dash New York’s playoff hopes, which would in turn, likely lead to a lot of front office changes.