Dec 21, 2015
Beckham needs to learn to stay above the fray
If his first 26 games in the league are any indication, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham will almost always be the most talented player on the field. He’ll have to learn not to stoop to defenders’ tactics if he’s going to stay in games.
TSN.ca Staff
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After nearly two seasons of play, the book is out on New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.: good speed, great route running, and a penchant for making incredible circus catches, often times of the one-handed and no-look variety.
But did Carolina Panthers’ standout cornerback Josh Norman shed light on another page of Beckham Jr.’s playbook Sunday, one that future opponents can look to exploit?
Norman and Beckham lined up opposite each other all game Sunday. While Beckham did haul in a fourth-quarter score, Norman generally held the star receiver in check in the Panthers’ 38-35 win. Beckham finished with seven receptions for 76 yards, the first time in six weeks he was held to less than 100 yards receiving.
Norman is largely considered to be having the best year at his position this season, but it was clear Beckham’s production suffered mostly because he was more preoccupied with the one-on-one, often times extracurricular battle he was engaged in with the Panthers’ corner.
The two went at it all game, battling on the field, jawing after the whistle, and getting physical on more than one occasion. The personal clash hit a pinnacle when Beckham launched himself at Norman’s head at the end of a Giants’ run play. Beckham was lucky to escape ejection, but is likely facing a one-game suspension for his actions, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
So will opposing corners start to mimic Gordon’s plan to get the emotional Beckham off his game (starting in Week 17, after OBJ’s likely suspension)?
Beckham’s reputation for letting his emotions get the best of him preceded Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. Earlier this year, the 2014 12th overall pick got into a skirmish with some Buffalo Bills defenders after their taunting got under his skin. And there was a game last year against St. Louis where Beckham’s antics irked some Rams defenders and cost him an unsportsmanlike penalty.
The sophomore has quickly gained a reputation as an emotional player who will jaw with opponents and lash out at officials.
But let’s remember he’s exactly that, a sophomore. Still just 23-years-old, Beckham has plenty of time to mature and stay above the fray on field. If his first 26 games in the league are any indication, Beckham will almost always be the most talented player on the field. He’ll have to learn not to stoop to defenders’ tactics if he’s going to stay in games.
As for the short-term, Beckham’s talents still outweigh his negatives. Maybe it’s not such a bad thing for the ‘No Fun League’ to feature a return of the diva wide receiver.