Odell Beckham Jr. – What’s the Deal?
After suffering a hip pointer in week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, it was unclear whether Giants star wideout Odell Beckham Jr. would return to face the Rams in London this week. However, after much deliberation, the 23 year-old phenom receiver suited up Sunday, catching 5 balls for 49 yards.
Leading up to Sunday’s game against the Rams, Beckham’s status was questionable. But come Sunday morning at Twickenham Stadium, the Giants listed him as officially active. Despite an otherwise sputtering New York offense, Beckham made two important receptions in the second half, helping the Giants crawl to a 17-10 win over St. Louis.
“It took a lot to get ready for this game,” said Beckham. “It was all mental preparation, actually. And even going through warm-ups, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I got out there, and it was a little—it was pretty painful.”
Nonetheless, Giants trainers and coaches offered their star receiver the chance to play and he did not disappoint. First, Beckham made an important reception to dig New York from the shadow of their own goal posts. Then later, on their final drive, Beckham overcame double coverage to pull in a 22-yard catch on 3rd and 3. This put the Giants at the Rams’ 6-yard line, allowing Rashad Jennings to rush in the game-winning touchdown.
Post-game, Beckham said of his decisive catch, “We needed the play. We needed to do something, and I had the opportunity. Thankfully, I came down with it.”
While considered a top pick for fantasy owners in 2016, Beckham’s stats have been lackluster. Watch ESPN’s Matthew Berry and Field Yates discuss how you should handle Beckham Jr. going forward in the clip below:
In seven games, he’s caught 40 passes for a mere 630 yards and three touchdowns, 222 of those yards and two of those touchdowns coming in week 6 against the Ravens. Facing minor injuries, it is unclear how the 23 year-old LSU standout will fare the remainder of the season. Fortunately, the Giants are on bye in week 8, giving Beckham the opportunity to heal up and come back strong the following week against the Eagles.
